From Jarod R – I am a 20 year old and found out my family left a 1959 Lincoln Capri abandoned in on a lot that quickly enveloped around the car. The Capri ran when parked and used to be owned by me deceased Great Grandpa before he passed away. The car was likely parked several years before I was born. By my estimates it was left there around 1990. Being an avid car lover I had to see this car when I found out about it. When I stumbled across it the car was covered in thorn bushes and surrounded by trees.
Slowly the two and a half ton behemoth was returning to the Earth. I had to save it. Over the course of my college spring break I took a saw, hedge trimmers, and a shovel to unearth this forgotten classic. Finally when the landscaping was finished I tried to pull the Capri out with a truck and a chain. Of course it did not budge. Once the title got transferred to my name, from my great uncles, I hired a tow truck to come along and pull the car out of the bushes. Finally out and placed somewhere where I could look it over I could see the extent of the damage 25 years have on an old car.
Needless to say it was in very rough shape. Rear brakes locked up solid, engine locked up solid, windows broken, and noticeable rust on the hood and floorpans. But it was all there. After doing some research I decided to try and free up the 430 MEL V8 that in the day pumped out 350hp. The spark plugs would not budge so I could not put ATF down the plug holes, instead I got an online suggestion to put diesel in the engine, supposedly it works like a charm to free up the engine.
So currently 8 gallons of diesel are sitting in the 430 and I am waiting patiently to return home from college and try to crank the engine. However my family wants me to sell the car but ultimately it is my decision. I have it listed here on craigslist here. The offers I am getting are just so low (someone told me it was a 400 dollar parts car) and frankly I don’t want to sell the car. However I am considering law school as well so life might be getting in the way. I am divided between responsibilities and desires and just am not quite sure where to go from here.
After hearing from Jarod about his Lincoln, I decided to ask him if there was anything specific he would like to ask you guys. He only has two questions, first any recommendations or suggestions on how to get the 430 running again. Secondly, he hasn’t found a good place to buy parts for these Lincolns, so he was wondering if anyone could suggest a good parts suppliers. So guys, do you have any advice or suggestions to give Jarod?
Do it……keep it, tell the family to back off, you will remember this accomplishment for the rest of your life!
Ken Demerling
Toronto, Canada
Thanks for the advice!
Hi Jarod,
What a great car, these old Lincolns are starting to climb in value, and this one looks to be a solid foundation to build on. Good luck with your project & don’t let anyone dissuade you from such an excellent undertaking.
Thanks for the advice I will keep that in mind.
Keep it!!! Even if it is a slow process fixing it up it will be worth it.
Thanks for the advice!
hi there, great you found something that brings you close to your heart and family, it is always your dicisionto do what you want with her, but if it was me because of it being g grandpa,s i would keep it, hope it give,s joy and great memories
Thank you for the wishes and advice I will keep that in mind.
Get it running. The diesel should work. Redo the brakes, new tires clean it up and drive it. Get to cosmetics as you go.Thats a great story by the way.
I figured someone on this sight would appreciate the story. Thank you for the advice.
Lincoln land in Clearwater Florida for parts.
Thank you for the advice I will keep that in mind.
Jarod,
If you sell it you will regret it forever. Just keep it. Even if you have to put it in storage.
I will keep that in mind thank you for the advice.
Hey Jarod,
Actually the most important decision for you is the one about law school. In a recent news story it was revealed that law schools are getting desperate for applicants, apparently there is a glut of lawyers and prospects are not so good. If you decide to pursue a law degree and become a successful lawyer you should be able to afford the restoration, so storage in the meantime needs to be considered. But, do a lot of research on your prospects as a lawyer. Recent stories about self driving cars suggest product liability lawsuits will likely decline as well, not good for the legal profession.
If it were me I would not be able to give up a vehicle a family member bought new. Also, these old Lincoln’s are just so funky and different I think they will develop a special interest following in time.
Oh forgot to mention one thing. Hard to tell from the pics but it looks like the windshield and backlight are intact, a good thing since they are are so unique. I’m fairly certain the side/door glass is flat so it should be easy to have replacements cut. Overall it looks like a very solid starting point for a restoration. The rusty sheet metal can be handled. The real appeal of this car is the completeness of the trim and brightwork. Those parts are very hard to find. That is the challenge for late 50’s era cars. The designers all seem to have gone on a bender prior to sitting down at the drawing board.
I am with you on this z1 rider. If there is some land you can store it on, put down a concrete base, put up a wooden shed with enough room in it if you want to work on it, park it up and keep it until you are ready to fix it. Sell it and I think you would regret it.
Funny you mention the job prospects for an attorney. I actually meant with a judge today and that concern came up during our conversation. Thank you for the concern I have been doing my best to research the prospects. There are a lot of options with a law degree thankfully.
I did think the completeness added to the appeal. The rear lights and window are intact as well. Thank you for the advice on the Lincoln as well I will take that into account.
That’s an awesome family heirloom you have there. If you sell it you’ll probably regret it, find a place to keep it until you have the time to work on it and do what you want to do with it. I’d get it running, fix the brakes and just drive it as is, most of that paint will probably buff out in the hands of a professional who knows paint restoration.
Are brake parts hard to find on an old car? I am not sure. Thank you for the advice though.
this is an unusual find! I don’t know the specifics, but, I would say that it is an unusual color , not many ppl would order it that way. as for the engine, soak the plugs in WD 40, over several days . Has the frame been checked? the stone shields could be hiding rust( from factory??) any friends who are mechanics? they might find it a challenge . You will not bring this back to life in a matter of months , you are young yet. it will take a ton of work to even get it roadworthy. so, tackle it one thing at a time. get it sheltered so as to not let the elements further destroy it while the engine is important, I would be more concerned about the frame. but, if it is ok ( or salvageable) go for it!! . I would upgrade the underside, new H/D shocks disc brakes, radials .. you would have a sweet ride. Imagine yourself pulling up in front of your office ( or parking garage)in your Shiny Lincoln! But remember!! Cars are never an investment, you won’t get back what you put into it Just think you won’t have any problem finding it in a parking lot! good luck!
I need to get under the vehicle to check out the frame and make sure it is ok. I will try the WD 40 and look into the possible rust problems on the underside of the car. All sounds very expensive so it might take a while to get it perfect but definitely food for thought. Thank you for the advice!
Your biggest concern isn’t ‘frame’ – it’s that this is a unibody car, a huge very heavy one, and if the basic unibody is at all compromised by rust you’re never going to fix it sufficiently. Leaving any car parked over earth in a damp climate is a death sentence and especially for one like this. I’d proceed with a lot of caution before spending a dime on it.
Jarod,
Before you sell your great grandfather’s car, you should try looking at http://www.lincolnlandinc.com/ They look like they have the things you would need.
It would be a great place to help you decide what to do. I wouldn’t think about a full restoration right away. Just get it running again so it can move under its own power and continue your studies. Later, with your “higher than average” income the Lincoln could be treated to a restoration at the level you choose.
Thank you for the website link I will use it. Also thank you for the advice a gradual restoration might be a good idea.
store it!! If you don’t you will regret it for ever!
I will keep that in mind thank you for the advice
If I may. It’s just a car………a big unattractive car that would take tens of the thousands of hard earn monies to restore……………and for what? To tell people it’s been in your family?
The emotional side of cars never has had an impact on me………it’s a thing, it not a future
Sorry Rancho, but it’s not just a car… The emotional side of cars may not have an impact on you, but its my guess that most people on here would disagree. Would you throw away your great grandfathers war medals or another prized possession because they are just things? This car represents an amazing moment in an ancestors life. It’s not about how this young man can tell his friends about it. It’s about creating and keeping alive a connection with a lost family member and those opportunities are few and far between. I think if he’s down for doing this, the reward will not be monetary, it will be something much more.
So why are you into old cars–just to flip ’em? The emotional aspect in this hobby is huge–at least for me.
“The emotional side of cars never has had an impact on me………it’s a thing, not a future”
Oh Rancho!! How on earth did you wind up on THIS website, of all places, with that kind of perspective? Very few of the cars here are a great monetary investment; they’re special for their character, their survival against the odds, their stories, their soul. Not having an emotional connection is missing out on 90% of what makes the old car hobby fun!
I would suggest that Jarod either sell to a friend with the understanding he has the first right of refusal when the friend is ready to move on… or as others have suggested, figure out a way to buy it from the other family members (a few hundred bucks at a time if necessary) and enjoy this connection to his grandparents.
Most of us would be THRILLED to just know where our grandparents’ old cars wound up. This kid has an opportunity to bring it back and enjoy it. How neat is that.
I never thought about selling it to a friend and then maybe one day buy it back. That is an interesting idea. I will keep that in mind. Thank you for the advice as well. Food for thought.
The thing though can impact your emotions and create wonderful memories for you future. I will keep your advice in mind though. My wallet thanks you for the reality check.
Now lads…………nope, not a flipper or a crooked used car salesman. Simply a used up old man that knows that a twenty year old man should have more on his plate than an old car.
Hang on to the car! Even if you can’t do a lot with it right away, you can at least get it running so you can drive it and enjoy it. The rest of the restoration can come later when you have more time and money. You have an entire lifetime ahead of you to enjoy this car and it can be a lifetime project as well. There are many sites on Facebook that cater to old Lincolns and you will find lots of help and support as well as advice and places to buy parts. Good luck!
I am actually connected in a group on Facebook already. I do have a lot of time to work on it. Thank you for the advice.
https://www.hagerty.com/valuationtools/HVT/VehicleSearch/Report?vbe=30672
Wow I did not know that information was available thank you for the link!
Keep the car, put it in storage (DRY), work on getting the engine free’d up, You have diesel soaking in it, but is it getting to where it needs to be ???? Soak the spark plugs with rust-bust until you can remove them then let the cylinders soak until you can free them up. Otherwise just pull the heads and start from there, get it operational first then work on the cosmetics. Guarantee that if you sell it you WILL regret it every time you think about your Grandpa. Good Luck in your pursuits
I unfortunately did not know the man but I will take that into account a family heirloom is worth saving (which is why I paid to get it towed out.) How does one soak spark plugs? Mine are angled in such a way that it tends to drain out. Those little suckers are stuck tight.
The 430 MEL engine’s Spark Plugs use a small angled metal-to-metal face just above their threaded portion, so they CAN be very tight indeed (especially if a gorilla-muscled mechanic was the last one to install them). It’s therefore common for them to feel very tight since this thin metal-to-metal interface is designed to lock together, a scenario true of most mid-century Ford-built engines since they also use this angled-seat spark plug design. It’s my guess that you’ll simply need to loosen them with a bit more force, using the 1-ft leverage of a 1/2-drive ratchet handle for example (CCW direction of course). If you feel better soaking first, fill the small sunken cavities around each Spark Plug with some P’blaster or other penetrant for a good soak, then blow that mess clear before opening the Plugs once they loosen, to avoid getting anything into the cylinders once the hole’s vacated by the Plug. I always blow said recessed cavities clear with compressed air *before* doing anything with the Plugs themselves for cleanliness’ sake…
I will try to talk you into selling or keeping the car. That is a highly personal decision that only you can make. Please understand that this is a labor of love, not an investment. You will likely spend double the resale value of the car for a restoration, however if saving the car is important to you, the costs are irrelevant compared to the satisfaction of having something that has been a part of your family for so many years.
If you do decide to keep it, do you have options available for storage? The car needs to be cleaned and kept dry and protected to additional damage. If it continues to sit out in the elements, it will continue to decline, and eventually you will have nothing left to restore. A garage with a concrete floor and good ventilation is miles ahead of a barn with a dirt floor. One can rent an air-conditioned storage unit for $80.00 to $120.00 per month, however that is an expense that a college student does not need. If you have a family member with a garage who will be willing to let you use a stall for storage of your car, this will be ideal.
Be creative with your ideas. We have a six car garage, however we store one of our show cars in an enclosed race car trailer with an RV type A/C -heat unit installed on the roof to main constant temps and low humidity inside where the car stays. The car is only exposed to the elements when we take it out to drive it, or when it is sitting on a show line.
Good luck with your decision!
Great advice to take into account. I do think the satisfaction would outweigh the cost. Currently the only storage available it outside. I am hoping that maybe I can at least get the the car moving under its own power to move it from its current resting place to my home were we can put it in a garage. I will keep your advice in mind. Thanks.
sorry about the typo’s. The edit function would not work.
Keep it. Fantastic car. Family history is important. Your children and their friends will be in awe of a vehicle like this. You will be able to tell stories, and people you don’t know will stop to chat everywhere you go. I have seen cars a lot worse than this repaired successfully, and kept original as well.
Glad you have seen worse that were successfully repaired. I hope I get the experience of having people come up to me and ask questions about the car. I thank you for the advice as well.
While the decision would be entirely yours, a car like this only comes along once in a lifetime at best. Store it, even if that amounts to sitting on a concrete pad and throwing a tarp over it (just remember to air it out often) and keep it. Don’t worry about restoring it right now; that can come later.
I will keep that in mind. Sound like I need to get a place to store the car.
Keep it, store it, and then restore it when you can. Don’t let this beauty go. I’ve been sitting on a 67 442 for 9 years now. One day it will all work out.
I saw a car in 1967,fell in love with it (emotionaly),then had the opportunity to buy it in 1981.and fortunately l bought it.Its a one of a kind and very valuable now
Good look on the 442 that is a very cool car from a great era! And thank you for the advice.
I agree that you should keep this car – it’s an heirloom.
One important consideration, though, is that these Lincolns are unibody cars — no frame. I believe that was still the case in 1959. So I agree that you should fix the brakes, get it running (plan on rebuilding the 430, which isn’t cheap), then drive it as-is. But not until after you’ve had a thorough structural inspection. Rust in the floor plans, rockers, etc. could render this car unsafe to drive.
Do you mind elaborating on the safety of old unibodies? There are a few holes in the floorboards (not huge but there). What would be a remedy to make it safe? Simply welding sheet metal wouldn’t work?
Keep it. Get it running. Drive it. Don’t sell. It’ll never come your way again. I know. I sold my ’46 Merc convertible back in ’56 for $40. Now I can’t touch the car on my retirement annuity.
KEEP IT!
40?! Wow that would be highway robbery today. Those are 50k cars now. Thank you for the advice though.
If you have to resort to leaving the car outside, replace the broken windows, and remove the carpet. Tarps promote moisture buildup and rust. Nothing will rot out your floors faster then wet carpet.
I ripped the carpet out. Very bad and very smelly.
kEEP IT , I LET MY 55 MERCURY GO AND REGET IT EVERY DAY . STORE IT INSIDE ON A CONCRETE FLOOR . THE $$ WILL COME SOME DAY , BUT NOT THIS CAR AGAIN . GRAMPS WOULD BE PROUD !
Thank you for the advice! Sorry to hear about the old Mercury. Hope you can find another one in the future.
The mechanical barriers you are hitting are not big,brakes,sparkplugs are easy. youre going to have to remove the sparkplugs,to get the diesel out before you turn it over anyways. as stated above find a secure storage place for it and keep it.Go to school and get your education,start a famliy,whatever . I would not pay $1700 dollars for your car,but its not my Great grandpas.It has more value to you than anyone else. Keep it, eventualy get on it. Get it running,weld up the floor,find a hood.slowly make it better,maybe someday do a complete restoration.picture how happy and proud your greatgrandpa was the day he drove it home from the dealer!
I did not know the plugs had to be removed. I just thought it would be like draining the oil during a normal oil change. I will keep your advice in mind. I am sure my GG was happy an old Lincoln is a special car! (Might be the sentimentality coming out there.)
Im sure this is getting redundant, but take everyones advice and keep it. You will get to it one day, and if not you will regret the day you let such a cool heirloom go. Don’t be tempted if you do keep it buy rising values and still have not got to it. I sold my 54 Porsche 356 coupe heirloom years ago thinking I really needed the money and got a whooping 17k for it. Now Its worth six figures and I will always wonder what if and now older and more secure would not sell even at todays values.. (BTW I still look for it till this day). Find a nice dry storage and erase the idea of quick cash…
Sorry to hear about the 356 those are special cars at least you got the chance to own one before it went into the stratosphere. I will think about keeping it. Thanks for the advice.
most of us think you should keep it. It doesn’t look like the tin worm ate it as bad as I thought it would after all these years in the bushes.
Thanks for the advice!
Don’t listen to the people on here that are throwing dollar values at you. If you love cars like a lot of us on here do, and you have an emotional connection to it, then keep it. Who cares about Hagerty values and Mecum sales. If you don’t care about cars like your family and have no emotional connection to it, then sell it.
I do have an emotional connection. I am a hopeless romantic (I think that is common with car guys.) I will keep your advice in mind thank you!
Find a garage, I’m a creative sort, and have 2 vehicles stored in the “extra” space of “snowbirds” garages. I look after the properties (about 2-3 hours of my time a month) and they charge me $0. I also have vehicles in a large airplane hangar that a friend owns, again for $0. Proper storage should be your #1 priority, the rest can wait until you have time and $$. Good luck!
Lucked out with the snow bird thing. Unfortunately I do not have that option in my state. Thank you for the advice on the storage.
You’re not going to get an objective answer on this forum – almost all of us are going to tell you to keep it, reality be damned! :-)
But I was in your shoes 35 years ago, a poor college student with no extra money or space, and I chose to sell my mom’s 1966 Dodge Polara ex-Highway Patrol car. I’ve regretted it ever since, and wished I had found a way to keep it. It was an awesome sleeper muscle car and I’d love to have it today.
Regardless, whoever told you it’s a $400 car is probably trying to con you out of it. It doesn’t look like a rustbucket and it also seems pretty straight and complete. I’d say it’s definitely worth a few grand at a minimum. If you do decide to sell it, I think your best bet is to eBay it. That way the market will decide what it’s willing to pay.
I will look into eBay if I sell it thank you. Sorry to hear about the Polara that is a neat car. Thanks for the advice on what the car is worth too. If I do sell it I will take that into account.
Keep the car! Family history! Someday you will have a son and this will be a great father/son project.
That is a great idea. Thank you for the advice.
Jarod–go to your local airport that has a repair facility and ask to purchase some “Kroil” for those plugs, then load up the cylinders with it as well. You should take the valve covers off and soak the topsides as well. It may take several weeks to accomplish good results, but there’s nothing like “Kroil” to break things loose. That diesel will do nothing for you if you can’t get it into the cylinders anyway. Or go to: http://kroil.com/
Does it matter if the airport is small? I have heard wonderful things about Kroil but I have not been able to find it at any auto repair store.
Call Chris Dunn at Lincoln Land in Florida # 727-446-2193 or 727-443-7421. Good Luck !
Thanks!
Where are you located?
I am located in Ohio
I agree with the whole family sentiment thing. But, one has to be realistic.
Firstly, even getting this thing started and roadworthy will take months and probably cost at least 4 or 5 thousand dollars if you do the work yourself. Once on the road the gremlins will appear and eat up another 3 or 4 thousand. Now you’re 7 or 8 grand into a car with broken glass, ripped seats, and rust. And the engine hasn’t been rebuilt, nor the transmission.
Secondly, storage will cost you between 50 and 100 bucks per month, assuming you don’t have a place to store it. If you have a free place to store it, well OK then store it and fart around with it when you have time and money.
I know this opinion isn’t popular, but emotion will bankrupt you in the classic car game. Better that you get your law degree, make tons of money, then buy the car back off ebay after it’s been restored by someone who knows how to do it. Above all, do not go headfirst into the thing by disassembling the car before you have the money to finish it.
Thank you for the advice. I do have a free place to store it but the problem is it has to stay outside. Just curious (I am very much a novice) what makes you think it will cost 4k/5k to get it running? I figured ii would be as easy as unlocking the engine with diesel and then getting new spark plugs/battery/etc. and then it would turn over on its own steam.
Anybody that has to spend 4~5K to get a car this complete to run and drive safely is wasting 3~4K somewhere.
In addition to Lincoln Land, try Lincoln Old Parts. They specialize in this year Lincoln. http://lincolnoldparts.com
Great thank you for the advice!
That Lincoln is gorgeous, I really hope you can make it work out, even if it takes time. Very cool car
Thanks!
http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/1959-lincoln-capri-update-with-pictures-now-1595114158
Yep that is me! Are you on Oppositelock? If not I suggest you try it out that is a great community.
Keep it! This reminds me of of uncle’s 1963 Ford Galaxie. It was the first car he ever bought new. It was a beautiful car, it was lavender with black seats, and the fast back roof. He drove it every day, washed it once a week until 1974 when it blew a gasket. It sat in his shed after that, he loved the car too much to sell it. In the early 2000’s, when I was in elementary school, he gave it to my then 17 year old cousin. My cousin did the most awful thing you can do in the collector car world. He hot-rodded it. He lowered the front, and put custom seats in it. He painted it an ungodly white with orange flames. By 2010, I was turning 16 and intent on owning it and gradually take it back to original. He sold it to some idiot who totaled it the next week. I was, and still am, madder than a wet hen about it. I would have loved to own it, and preserve the family memories that my mother always told me about. Keep the car, and make it a family heirloom, like I wish I could have.
Sorry to hear about the Galaxie. Your cousin should have been more open to letting you own the car. A 63 Galaxie is a special thing. But thank you for the advice it is definitely food for thought.
Take your time, search and acquire the parts and restore it when you are ready. Think of it as a family heirloom from your Great Gramps that you may hand down one day to your grand kid. It’s a keeper – Gramps would be proud!!!
Probably! I didn’t know him though but nevertheless a piece of history like this commands respect and preservation.
You know him!!! Hes a part of you,you’re a part of him
Any airport or aircraft restoration facility should do nicely. Most AP’s (Aircraft Mech.’s) use it. Also many truck repair facilities should have it., Or go to their website http://kroil.com/, call the number to find out where to purchase it.
Okay I will do that. Thank you!
I’ll comment on becoming a lawyer first, then the car.
We lives in Kansas, my wife is a DSF Managing Attorney. For the last 10 or so years the colleges of KS have turned out approximately 600 grads per year for approximately 100 job openings. Its like this in many states. The legal profession is very depressed and the whole idea you’ll get rich is BS. Right now my wife can hire lawyers for far away outposts (Liberal KS anyone?) and pay under $50k. Try paying off your law school debt on that.
My point? Think long and hard about law school and what kind of law degree you want. Law degree to become a lobbyist? You’ll do fine, although we’ll all think you are scum. Want to help people by doing family law or personal injury? Good luck, you might go hungry. We know lawyers who cannot find work and have to go on the appointment lists here in KS in order to make a living.
On top the car! If you need to park it while you are in school but the family is not on your side, move the car to a storage unit. a 10×25 can be had for around $60 per month in my part of the world. Put the car inside, put it on jack stands, toss some bug repellent bags (aren’t they cedar chips in a linen bag?) under the hood, inside the interior and trunk and its as good as stored.
As for the spark plugs, get bigger tools. Don’t be afraid to use an impact to remove them, remember out is a lot less damaging than in. They’ll come out with air powered impact tools. Once you have the top end lubed up, put in new plugs (cheap is fine) and oil the threads or even better use anti-seize or Coppaslip on the threads. They’ll never stick again.
Good luck!
Thanks for the advice on being an attorney. Trust me I know about the job market. I am taking that into consideration.
I never thought about the bug repellent that is a great idea I will look into that. As for the spark plugs I was worried about breaking them but I will consider an impact tool as well. Thank you for the advice!
Hi Jarod,
I have used a product called Kroil to free up a frozen engine. Here is the link: http://www.kanolabs.com/ As far as the engine goes, IF the diesel fuel doesn’t work, that transmission should have a rear pump in it. Fix the brakes, and tow it, put it in gear, and you might be able to break the engine loose that way. A last ditch effort would be to remove the intake manifold, and pour Kroil into the intake runners. Remove the valve covers, and the rocker arm assemblies, and try to open the intake valves to get the Kroil into the top of the cylinders, and around the spark plugs. Spray Kroil around the outside of each spark plug also. Even if you can’t afford to do a complete restoration right now, put it on blocks, and keep it until you can. It’s a family heirloom that you’ll really enjoy someday. After watching cars for 50 years, they’re a whole lot better investment than money sitting in the bank. Example, I could (should) have purchased a 1968 Shelby GT500 KR convertible for $1650 in 1972 with a bad engine. I didn’t! That car, today, is going for $150K to 200K. Another one of my big mistakes in life. (:(
I have heard several people now mention Kroil I will look into that! Spraying kroil will hopefully solve my problems. Sorry to hear about the KR it seems every enthusiast has one of those one that got away stories.
Jarod,
Don’t sell it !! Look at my dad’s lincoln convertible.. I remember riding around in the car back in the early to late 60’s with the top down.. This car was like riding on air.. Big power v8 engine w/ plenty of power.. Black w/ black & white interior.. Believe it or not.. This car went to the crusher in the mid 70’s because nobody wanted it.. :~( Every time i see one of these big lincohns my heart still melts.. :~( Good~Luck and stick with it as time permits.. Jim & Marilyn >> Medford, Oregon.. <<
Sorry to hear it got taken to the crusher that was a beautiful car. Thanks for telling me about the driving experience I dream about driving this one car one day.
Jarod, there is a better penetrant than Kroil or diesel, according to several comparison studies of all the various brands: Make up a 50/50 mix by volume of acetone and power steering fluid. You should be able to fill every cylinder with that mix if you pull the intake manifold so you can get to the intake ports. Then you should find several of the intake valves open, and you can fill those cylinders with the penetrant, and it should also get to the inside end of the plug to help free those up in addition to the pistons & rings. Acetone is very liquid and penetrates everywhere, and carries the power steering fluid with it – it’s just an oil sort of like auto transmission fluid. And since the plug areas drain off any fluid you put there, getting to the inside end of the plug is possible via the intake. Those intake valves which are shut, you should be able to push down with a lever enough to get those cylinders open enough to fill them. Then let the stuff sit. One trick: make sure you note the level of oil on the dipstick before you pour stuff in the cylinders, as much of that fluid will eventually get past the rings and lift the level of fluid in the pan, and you need to note that level every so often as an indication of what’s gotten down there. You always want to drain all that before trying to spin the engine to keep any penetrant from getting into the bearings. Also, before trying to turn the engine, check thru the intake ports to see if there’s any penetrant still in the cylinders. Check all cylinders even if you have to pry the shut ones open again – do not crank the engine before doing this, as if one cylinder is full of fluid, it will hydro-lock the engine if the starter turns the crank, and might break or bend something. Once you’ve let it sit with all cylinders full of the mix, let it sit, check pan level, then drain, and try to crank the engine with plugs out – assuming you can get them out, or again at least checking each cylinder from the intake port for fluid. If plugs won’t come out, just blip the starter to see if the crank budges. If it does, stop! Now is the time to try a big wrench on the crank nose to try to turn it by hand. If you can hand-turn it, crank it around long enough to make several complete revolutions. Sometimes a stuck engine will have a valve stick open, and if this happens, a piston can hit it and bend it of you’re using the starter. If you can handcrank several times and don’t hear anything hitting or stopping the engine from turning, then you can try short blips of the starter to see if you can get the engine spinning. Then put back the intake & try to fire it up.
That was a wealth of advice. Thank you. If the diesel does not unlock the engine I will look into doing the acetone/power fluid mix. I would love to get this engine turning freely and that just might be the trick.
Jared don’t forget about the rust. clean up the floors and any rusted area the best you can. Then paint them with POR 15. That will stop it from getting worse. It is amazing it is worse than it is after all these years. You just don’t see many of these anymore. Not many left means they are worth a lot or not much because nobody wants them. I would keep it and have something totally different than the rest of the crowd. Good luck with it.
Thank you for the paint advice I will look that up. Unfortunately this is one of those “not many left” but it is not worth a lot. That is stopping me from wanting to invest a lot in it. But on the the other hand the car does hold some emotional value.
Keep it memories last a life time
Thanks for the advice!
Jarod, thanks for all your replies. It seems your biggest concern is that keeping the car will mean storing it outside. If you have a Costco in your area, they sell a fully enclosed 10 x 20 canvas and metal-frame car shelter for around $225. It takes a few hours to set up, but it does a great job of keeping the car protected from the worst of the weather while still allowing plenty of air circulation. Here in California, mine lasted 3 years before the roof rotted out from the sun. That’s less than $100 a year for an enclosed storage spot, so I figure it was very good value. And you can buy new replacement roof sections on Amazon for $100 or so. I haven’t tried that yet but I will probably buy one this summer. Worst case, you can just buy another complete unit from Costco when the old one starts to rot out. If you have the option of leaving the car where it is, just erecting one of these around it will help a lot, though it would be ideal if you can park it on pavement or gravel instead of dirt.
Harbor Freight also lists something similar on their website. It’s a bit smaller and because your Lincoln is so big, it may not work. And I trust Costco’s quality a lot more than HF.
That is actually a really great idea. I have not been able to find it on the site however. The closest thing I could find was this:
http://www.costco.com/.product.100144269.html?cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-CategoryTopProducts&cm_vc=categorypageHorizontalTop%7CCategoryTopProducts
Thank you though for the advice I will look on Sam’s Club too and see if they have anything similar.
I haven’t seen underneath, but the outside and under the hood have lasted amazingly for a 56 year old car that’s been on dirt for 25 years. Far worse cars have been restored with a lot less original steel left, obviously this is not a cheap business. Get it indoors in the dry, away from damp and worse, thieves/vandals.
You will regret selling, a few thousand dollars will soon be gone, memories do not come with a price tag.
If you really have managed to get 8 gallons of diesel in that engine (via the carb?) I would think it’s pretty much full anyway so should eventually free things off. Just make sure you drain all of it off before turning the engine.
One other thing, not a cheap option but you may like to think about getting the engine stripped and cleaned internally, old oil can thicken and block oilways, so you could get it running only to find you wreck it due to no oil movement. How was the oil in the engine, did you dip it?
The 6 gallons was via the oil filler (Someone told me to try it that way) I also maybe dumped maybe 2 gallons down the carb. And I need to drain it all before trying in manually turn the engine? Might I ask why? As for the oil I checked once and it wasn’t the best I did not drain anything before I put the diesel in though.
With all that fluid in it you will never be able to turn it even by hand.
Jarod, you mentioned in one of your replies that if you can get the car home you can keep it in your garage. I am assuming at your parent’s house? If you have that option, that is your best bet. Why not do the repairs just necessary to make the car a roller. Either air up, or replace the tires that won’t hold air with used ones that will. Find out what has the rear brakes locked up and release them so the car will roll freely. Than have the car hauled to your home and push it into your garage. I had a non-running car transported on a roll back for 400 miles, and it costs $350.00. Or if you know someone in your area who has a car trailer, you could pay them to haul it for you. If you can place the car in a dry environment out of the weather you can slow down the process of decay back to the earth significantly. Then you can work on it as time and money permit without having to worry about additional damage.
That isn’t a bad idea. I figure to keep the car at my parents house though I need to probably get it running. To tow it I could likely use AAA. Once the car is registered they will tow the car for me. Thank you for the advice though.
At this point,number your sparkplug wires,remove all sparkplugs,put some diesel in the holes,put old sparkplugs back in hand tight, let it sit for a few days or longer. When you want to try to turn it over ,drain the oil pan,change the oil,pull the plugs out,see if it turns over by hand,then try to get the starter to force the diesel out of the cylinders. Then install new plugs ,file the points,new battery,most people use a gas can to start it if they dont know the condition of the tank,start it
The diesel won’t drain out of the cylinders when I pull the oil pan?
Jarod, you are getting advise from all angles, but am I the only one that thinks pouring diesel fuel into the engine is cringe worthy? I have never heard such a thing ( but, I am not a professional either) and another thing that I may be wrong on, but, I think most cars ( especially large ones) were full frame until mid 70s. I had a full sized 67 Ford S/W that I am sure was full frame Right now, you should focus on your studies, and work on it in your spare time ( if you even have it while in Law school) and I agree with the other posters that it should be inside. even an unheated non a/c garage is better than being out in the elements
I have gotten advice from a few different people that diesel does magic to unlock an engine. I would not have done it without advice from people who restored cars. This Lincoln when it was produced was the longest unibody car every produced. Very odd but Ford had a thing for Unibodies during this era. I will take your advice though on getting the car put inside if I can.
Jarod, Unibody cars were rare in the 50’s, however by the 60’s there were quite a few unibody cars. Most Chrysler products built in the 60’s were unitized, as were the smaller Ford cars such as the Falcon and Mustang. All of the big three’s first attempts building vans were unibody design, even the cut-away chassis that were used for Class C motorhomes in the 70’s. A few small holes in the sheet metal in the floor pans are no big deal, however what needs to be checked is the structure under the car. Your Lincoln probably had a stronger platform then some SUV’s and trucks have today.
Jarod, I doubt if you have done any damage with the diesel. It may or may free up the engine, but it won’t hurt it either. Many years ago, I worked in the RV industry. A customer brought in a class C motorhome on a Ford E350 chassis with a 460 CI V8. The complaint was that the Onan generator which shared the fuel tank with the main engine would not start. The main engine was also running rough, but it would run and would pull the coach down the road. We figured out that the owner had filled the fuel tank with diesel. Apparently the coach had about a half of tank of fuel, so the mixture was approximately 50% gasoline and 50% diesel. We were amazed that the main engine would start and run off of that mixture. The tank was drained and fuel filters changed. A fresh tank of gas and everything ran like new. Engines are pretty tough, and diesel in your crankcase will not do any damage unless you were to start it before draining it and filling it up with fresh oil. We used to drain the oil and fill up the engine with ATF. ATF is just a light weight oil with ultra high detergent, and will flush out a lot of sludge. We would run the engine at idle speed only with no load for 30 minutes, drain and refill with oil. I would not try that with diesel, as you will not have enough lubrication and will probably damage a bearing.
The ATF. Would not damage the engine at all? Interesting I will take that into consideration. Thank you for all the advice by the way.
Jarod, it appears that most here are assuming you have a decent to high level of mechanical ability. True? False? In between? If you do, then following others advice would be optimal. If you don’t, then talk to people you know. I would be willing to bet you might know somebody else who has the knowledge, ability, and willingness to help you out! I would not look at all of your College friends although there are probably a few. I was the mechanical oddball in my College. If I were near you, I would offer to assist in anyway I possibly could, in order to keep this piece of Family History, in the Family. As with everybody else, bare minimum, get it into dry storage somehow. There are many intuitive ideas within some of the replies. Good luck and hope that when you move forward, you will keep us up to date with pics and notes.
I would say in between I have done pretty basic maintence but a lot of the major stuff I have never personally tackled. I think I will likely need the help of people around me. My family seems like a no go so I will have to look elsewhere. Thank you for the advice.
Jared, good luck with the Lincoln, you`ve gotten alot of good advice from good people. Keep in mind that there are car clubs and organizations out there that can also help. There is a Lincoln Museum at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners,MI. one of the best car museums in the country, if not the best,and they will have a lincoln show/ meet with lots of members of the differant Lincoln clubs there. Working is very important part of life ,I`ve been working for 40 years, but pursuing my love and passion of old cars, trucks and motorcycles has given me so much joy and satisfaction and have met so many great people. I`d keep the car, I`ve kept my 1956 chevy I bought in 1976 for 39 years thru thick and thin and cherish this car with all my heart. Good luck.
I actually get to go to Gilmore this summer I am very excited about it. I never thought of looking to organizations for help I will take than into account thank you for the advice.
I’d hold onto it, you got a complete Capri, family car and a beauty at that.. last generation of the Capri, and this body was only around for 59 and 60.. the 430 is an MEL(Mercury/Edsel/Lincoln) motor, there’s still parts around for them, Lincolnland in Florida, there’s another supplier in Connecticut and I believe one in Minnesota..
There’s also many forums and groups for Lincoln and Ford in general.. any restoration project is a labour of love, you have to be dedicated to it and put your heart (and considerable cash) into it…the end results will be worth it, trust me.. I own 3 Lincolns, not that old, 71,72 and 79… but one day I will…I’d love to see you get her running and restored to former glory, if you got the determination and love for it, go for it!
Best of luck!
I hope I am up to the task I think I have the love my wallet is what worries me with the determination. Thank you for suggesting places to look for parts. As you can tell I will likely need them.
There was actually a ’60 Lincoln Cont. at our local cars and coffee last month. Black paint like a mirror and beautiful chrome. Just like the Caddys of the day, these things could zoom you up to 100 mph and comfortably cruise there all day! When I hit the lotto, I’m going ‘all in’ on the nicest one I can find!
Good luck I hope you can!
*** KEEP IT *** – My Grandfather gave me his One-owner 1935 Packard in the ’50’s…
I traded it for a Model “A” coupe because it wasn’t Kool enough for high school
and Never forgave myself !!! Regret it every day!!
Wow that Packard is stunning. Sorry you had to let it go. Thank you for the advice.
Jarod, I am only suggesting using ATF to flush out the engine, not to drive with ATF installed. We used to drain the oil, install a new filter, fill with ATF, and idle the engine for about 30 minutes. ATF is a very light weight high detergent oil. It is so thin that it will not coat the bearing surfaces enough to prevent scoring if any stress is applied. Idle only! The oil pressure will be about 1/4 to 1/2 of normal, depending on the engine and current level of wear present.
On an engine with stuck valve lifter we used to drain one quart of oil and replace it with ATF. You can drive a car with that mixture in it. After a couple of days the lifter was usually quiet. Then drain, change the filter, and refill with new oil.
I would not try this on newer engines. The tolerances are too precise. An older model such as your 430 is not as delicate as a late model car.
Thank you Charles. I did not imagine that running with ATF would be a good thing. I hope I can make it too that step. First I will have to drain out all of this excess diesel.
As others have said you are going to have to instill a penitrating oil of some type into the combustion chambers. The only way to do that iis through the spark plug holes. You could instill ATF. in the combustion combustion chambers, put the plugs back in and let it sit. What ever you use will slowly leak past the rings into the oil pan, but it will coat the cylinder walls while doing so. If there is some residue left when you try to start the engine, it will make a lot of white smoke, but won’t hurt anything. A lot left in the combustion chambers will foul the spark plugs.
Keep it the body looks great any parts you may need you most likely can get from Lincoln-land in NJ any mechanical parts you can get from Kanter Auto Parts this will be a easy fixer. KEEP THIS CAR ! I have a Continental in worse shape.
Well,
First priority should be school period. Then family, your grandfather would much rather you sold the car for scrap and finished school than keep it and drop out. As for career, well, going to law school opens doors. You don’t have to be a lawyer. I have a master’s in HR, but work as an engineer. As for the car, if you are truly passionate about it, go for it. You can pick up a good running pickup or other ford beast and swap the motor out. Not hard to find a good running newer motor and tranny to drop in. Most are a direct swap.Save all the original parts for later., and get on the road cheap.
This 1959 Lincoln Landau sold today for $21k:
https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/HA0415-208465/0/1959-Lincoln-Continental-Landau/Automatic/
Jarod just a couple of things. The reason you must not turn the engine over with fluid in the combustion chambers is that fluids are not compressible and if you force the piston up into a locked chamber such as a compression stroke you will smash something, could be a connecting rod, piston or cylinder wall. To turn the engine over do not use the starter to turn it or you will burn it up. Put a socket on the large bolt on the end of the crankshaft at bottom pulley and apply considerable leverage to try and turn it. Be very careful taking things apart so that you keep and replace parts. The most disgusting thing for any person who finds a vintage car is to find one after some amateur has taken it apart, and lost parts. If you cannot afford to work on this car, sell it or move it out of the weather. If the only storage you can find has a dirt floor lay out some 6 mil plastic on the floor to stop moisture from coming up, and make sure that you jack the car up until the wheels are off the ground and then block it up to make sure air circulates under the car and further destruction to suspension components does not happen. Concentrate on getting the car mobile by fixing tires and freeing up brakes and the rear end. A running engine will not make a car move if the wheels are frozen, and tow bills will be higher with a car that skids. See youtube repairing drum brakes. Do not tow this car without the driveshaft disconnected at the rear end as you will destroy the automatic transmission. These are big complex cars, and maybe God sent it your way to keep you from wasting your time becoming a lawyer. Consider instead a trade where you will definitely find employment and not place yourself in terrible debt like nursing , instrumentation, or heavy duty mechanic. There is nothing more disgusting than having worked hard getting an education, getting in debt doing it , and then not getting paid for your efforts. I wish you good luck in the future!
Where is the car today?
Almost 5 years later I will chime in with the same question.
Jarod did you keep the car?
Did you go to law school.
Inquiring minds want to know.