Blog about the Cars in My Collection

In General

July 20, 2009 - The car collecting hobby is a full time activity requiring the devotion of precious resources: time, money, patience, research, space and labor to name a few. These requirements compound as one adds more vehicles to their collection. I opine that there is a threshold of the number of cars that separate merely collecting cars that collect dust and collecting cars that are maintained and run. I feel that I’m on that line of that threshold. With six cars (five classics and one new car), keeping them clean and washed is a chore in itself. Keeping them all running in top shape, ready for any road trip is another story all together.

It has always been said that it is better to buy a car that someone else has restored. That is true to the extent that it saves you time and money. However, one misses out on the fun (and frustration) of working on the cars. I know I would only get a fraction back of the money I have invested in these vehicles if I ever sold them.  But I would have missed out on so much more: the learning, the scraped knuckles, the camaraderie and the stories.

While my cars have been on many road trips and to various car shows (and winning awards), those details are lacking on the blog right now. I'll be adding those comments going forward. For now, I've added the list of repairs, to-date, on my cars. It'll give you readers an idea of how much work it takes to keep the cars running and looking good. But I hope it doesn't discourage you.

 --- James

1980 Lincoln Versailles

This is my first collector car. I purchased this car in December 1997 to learn about cars and how to work on them and how to restore them. Cars had always been a passion. I especially have a soft spot for the unloved cars that are often overlooked and forgotten. This was one of my father's favorite cars, as well as mine. I purchased the Versailles to learn more about cars and to honor the memory of my father. The car has a complete color change inside out. See pics of the restoration here.

Dec 10, 2009 - Rebuild carb, properly re-route all vacuum lines. This resolved the cold start stalling and hesitation during acceleration.

Nov 14, 2009 - Replaced a front parking lamp socket with an NOS. I had repaired the previous one multiple times, but it was on its last leg and finally stopped working.

Nov 7, 2009 - Replaced the front right parking/turn signal bezel with an NOS replacement. The previous lens had too many stress cracks and hazing due to age. Looks so much better now, but probably only I would notice it.

Nov 1, 2009 - I acquired three more door ajar switches and installed them in the 3 passenger doors. While I had the door panels off, I completed the change over of the faux-wood painted metal to the brushed metal trim. I may switch the wheels back to the aluminum dish installed of the painted spoke wheels... not sure... I like them both.

Oct 17, 2009 - I continued work on my one-of-a-kind Lincoln Versailles Signature Series concept. See my unique brochure here. (For you purists, don't worry. I've kept all the original cosmetic parts to switch the car back to factory standards. It gives me 2 cars in one!) I connected the door ajar switch in the driver's door so that the light in the consolette works properly. Also, using an extra set of door trim, I stripped the faux-wood painted metal and brushed it. You can see the before and after pics by clicking on the link.
Sept 13, 2009 - I've had my Versailles for about 12 years now and I finally achieved a significant milestone this month. Everything works (all power gadgets, cruise, A/C, clock, radio, buttons, pull straps, latches, etc.) and nothing is leaking (transmission fluid, oil, power steering fluid, washer water, antifreeze, exhaust). It's such a milestone to have everything working and nothing leaking all at the same time! I drove the car for about 120 miles over the past two days.
Sept 11, 2009 - Car was leaking an incredible amount of transmission fluid when parked any length of time in the garage, In 3 months, I could see as much as 1/4 - 1/2 pint leaked. Repairs: Replace tail shaft seal, replace pinion seal, replace shift lever seal, replace transmission modulator valve, replace transmission pan gasket& filter, test for leaks; Repair transmission cooler line.

May 2009 - Repairs: replaced radiator and all hoses

April 2009 - Repairs: Replace intake manifold gasket due to leaks of both anti-freeze and oil; replace starter; new battery cables; cooling system flush; oil change

August 2007 - Repairs: fixed switch on driver's door for illuminated entry; Installed shift linkage seal, band seal, pan gasket and seal rear-end yoke (but now it leaks even more!)

March 2007 - Repairs: Adjust timing (finally running right)

August 2006 - Repairs: new battery, new starter, new cables

July 2006 - Repairs: 4 wheel alignment and new wiper blades

June 2006 - Repairs: tune-up, replace valve cover gaskets, new gas tank, replace all 4 shocks, replace steering link and hoses

June 2005 - Repairs: Replace master cylinder and brake fluid

April 2005 - Repairs: replace all front end bushings and re-align front-end

February 2003 - Repairs: New tires

March 2001 - Repairs: replaced cracked and peeling dash vinyl wood trim with real wood veneers (no NOS can be found for the original vinyl appliqués)

August 2000 - Repairs: new battery

June 2000 - Repairs: re-chromed dash bezels, new leather wrap for steering wheel, new hood pad

March 2000 - Repairs: replace inside driver door handle

February 2000 - Repairs: sew new leather dash pad and door panel armrests

December 1999 - Repairs: new turn signal stalk

September 1999 - Repairs: radio rebuilt again under warranty, new seat belt webbings,

July 1999 - Repairs: Install new vinyl top and rear deck vinyl, replace plugs, carb pump, distributor

June 1999 - Repairs: Recharge A/C (still old freon in it), new carb, new fuel pump

January - June 1999 - Repairs: Interior and exterior restoration. Complete color change, new paint, leather  interior, new  carpet, radio rebuild, 4 speakers replacement, new windshield,

May 1998 - Repairs: new battery, new parking brake cable,

March 1998 - Repairs: track vacuum leaks, adjust idle, repair 3 power window motors

February 1998 - Repairs: new belts, resonator, weatherstripping

January 1998 - Repairs: tune-up, car rebuild, new muffler, air pump,

1968½ Continental Mark III

I purchased this car in April 2005. It was a gift to myself celebrating 18 months as a cancer survivor. (I had just turned 41 years old when  diagnosed.) This would be the car which I would have fun and be creative, while honoring the Lincoln heritage. My goal was to make this Mark III look like a Mark V Bill Blass and keep it all Ford parts. I believe I have succeeded with that task. I get more compliments on this car than any other. It was a complete transformation. See the pics here.

Mar 6-7, 2010 - Clean and detail engine bay (first pass), touched up paint on engine and some underhood components, applied all missing underhood decals, replaced windshield washer pump and replaced front marker/turn signal lenses with repros.

Feb 27, 2010 - Fixed leak in windshield washer bottle; realigned wiper arms so they lay flat and low on the windshield/cowl line; stripped pealing paint off metal trim above glove box door and polished it... looks bright like chrome

Dec 15, 2009 - Resolved two problems on the car: 1) strong gas odor caused by a leaking fuel line and a disconnected vapor canister and 2) functioning of the ATC system which was put in disrepair by two unrelated other repairs. When the interior carpet was replaced, the shop accidentally tugged on the wire that lead to the ambient temp sensor in the kick panel. This caused the wire to break at its weakest point which was inside the sensor itself. With the sensor not working, the system defaulted to putting out heat all the time. The other problem occurred when the transmission was rebuilt. When it was reinstalled, they pinched the vacuum hose that provided the source of vacuum to the ATC's brain box. This kept the temp setting and motors to the different blend doors from working properly. With the sensor replaced and the vacuum source restored, the ATC system works as it should. Yeah!

Nov 18, 2009 - Replace front crank shaft seal; rebuild power steering pump; replace freeze plug; replace timing chain; oil change

Aug 1 2009 - Took the Mark III to the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer for their annual All-Ford show which is held on the 1st Saturday of August. 102 Ford cars and trucks were in attendance. This year, the feature make was Lincoln and there were eight Lincolns there. I almost didn't make the show because during the previous week, the Mark was running rough; very sluggish under any load and on hills. It appeared to be two causes of the symptoms: 1) a frayed wire on an electrical connection between the distributor and coil and a clogged nipple on the vacuum line leading to the transmission. After correcting these two items, the car ran great and smooth.

June 2009 - Repairs: replaced gas sending unit, new starter, re-align car after bolt popped (no charge)

April 2009 - Repairs: replaced turn signal stalk

January 2009 - Parts: replaced door sills with NOS (very hard to find)

September 2008 - Repairs: 4 wheel alignment

August 2008 - Repairs: Rebuild radiator, exhaust leak at choke heater, place driver window back on track, rebuild transmission

June 2008 - Repairs: Tighten loose connections on voltage regulator, replace distributor, adjust timing, replace fan clutch, adjust carb float, replace front strut rod bushings

May 2008 - Repairs: replace all 5 stereo speakers

March 2008 - Repairs: Water heater control valve, valve cover gaskets, new plug wires, PCV valve,

February 2008 - Repairs: Traced, corrected and verified all vacuum lines

January 2008 - Repairs: Power passenger seat switch, ignition switch wires, rear reading lamp switches, trunk lamp and harness, trunk vacuum actuator

December 2007 - Repairs: New tires, new horns. Interior restoration: reupholstered seats, door panels, headliner and replaced carpet

June 2006-December 2007 - Paint and body shop: complete, strip to metal restoration. Parts: ordered interior leather, vinyl, headliner and carpet

May 2006 - Repairs: Replaced overhead warning light bezels. Parts: NOS Bill Blass stripe kit, custom Bill Blass decals

April 2006 - Repairs: carb replacement. new plugs, new brake proportioning valve, new brake master cylinder,

March 2006 - Repairs: Brakes overhauled at each wheel, new battery, carb rebuild (didn't work),

January 2006 - Repairs: replace fusible link, clock restoration,

December 2005 - Repairs: re-chrome dash bezels and trim, new cruise control switch

November 2005 - Repairs: High speed blower relay, re-chrome grille shell, instrument panel voltage regulator. Parts: weatherstripping, hood pad, belts

October 2005 - Parts: Collect parts for exterior paint and trim restoration: tail light bezels, turn signal bezels, engine decals, door handles, grille shell and slats, bumper caps

August  2005 - Repairs: Replace exhaust system, new temperature sending unit, replace all dash and exterior light bulbs

1982 Mercury Cougar XR-7

I purchased this car in May 2008 on a whim. Since then I have detailed the car, repainted the underside of the hood, added a new hood pad, and purchased appropriate shop and owners manuals.

Nov 1, 2009 - I re-dyed the vinyl roof as it was looking stained and dirty. The vinyl itself was still in excellent shape. So, I just stripped it clean of detergents and protectants so the new color would take. I've also touch-up some scratches and nicks (especially on the front end from rock chips). Still have a long way to go to cover all the chips. This car did not come with clear coat and the enamel was weak. It easily chips and in the engine bay, the existing paint just wipes off with water and a rag.

October 19, 2009 - Installed sockets for the under dash courtesy lamps (which were removed by the previous owner). You an see in the pic at left the coach lamp, illuminated entry key ring , door panel and foot well lamps illuminated as well as dome light (not pictured).

October 1, 2009 - Replaced the rear defroster switch/relay. Just in time for fall and winter.

July 9, 2009 - Drive: Drove the car from Charlotte to Atlanta for 2 days. Averaged 26.4 MPG. Not bad for a 4.2L V8 with AOD. Car was smooth, comfy and quiet. Love the vent windows. The car seems to drive and handle as if it was a cross between my Mark III and my LeBaron. The power steering pump is noisy, making a whirring sound. It needs to be flushed and refilled including an additive.

June 2009 - Repairs: Replace front and rear u-joints (3) and centering ball

November 2008 - Repairs: new battery, replaced grille with NOS grille

September 2008 - Repairs: Replaced fusible link

August 2008 - Repairs: New headliner

July 2008 - Repairs: Replaced all headlamps, plug wires and wiper blades, cooling system flush, replace rear main seal, install exhaust hose at catalytic converter, replace crankshaft bearings, alignment, intake manifold gasket, replace front crankshaft seal, replace oil pan gasket, replace rack and pinion bushings, replace oil pump screen, replace power steering pressure hose, new oil pan drain plug, replace thermostat & housing, replace distributor o-ring, replace belts

1982 Chrysler LeBaron Mark Cross Convertible

After spending a fun summer day with my friends, driving a '61 Continental convertible through the mountains and lakes of NC, I decided I had to have a convertible too. I purchased this car in August 2007 and flew to Indianapolis to pick it up. The 10 hour drive back home flew by.

September 20, 2009 - I replaced the cruise servo. Now the cruise works again. I need to adjust the stop light / cruise switch though because the brake pedal rests too close to it and the cruise cuts off without tapping the brakes.

August 22, 2009 - I took the convertible to an AACA show in Asheboro NC. The day was full of rain and we spent half the show ducking it. The A/C, replaced 13 months & 800 miles earlier did not work. With the cloud cover and rain storms, though, the day was cool and the vent was all that was needed. The following Monday I took it back to my mechanic. Turns out that the evaporator was leaking. With the previous work, we replaced just about everything, but not the evaporator. Because we are heading out of summer, for now, I just recharged it to see how long the charge will hold. I won 2nd in my class. I probably would have earned a first if I would have left the windows down, trunk open and hood up. But, with the rain and my absence when the judge appeared, 2nd was the best I could do.

 December 2008 - Repairs: replaced thermostat and gasket, replaced headlight bezels, replaced cowl weatherstripping

July 2008 - Repairs: Replace transmission pan; A/C replacement; new parts (dryer, expansion valve, compressor, belts, fittings, condenser), flush, evacuate, re-charge

June 2008 - Repairs: replaced convertible top and rear curtain, Brake job: new booster, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, shoes, turn drums;

March 2008 - Repairs: new battery, new tires,

September 2007 - Repairs: tune-up, new plugs, wires, filters, PCV valve and wiper blades. Replaced inside rear view mirror, added gold-plated, engraved dash plaque,

1985 Chrysler LeBaron Mark Cross Turbo Coupe

I purchased this car in September 2006. Very low miles (41,882) and original. I love the seats in this car. Of the 6 cars I own, these seats are the most comfortable. Darn peppy little car with that turbo engine, but not as economical as one might think a car weigh only 2,533 pounds with a 2.2 4 cylinder would be.

September 2009 - Repairs: 4-wheel alignment. Feels like a new car!

January 2009 - Repairs: replaced thermostat and gasket

October 2008 - Repairs: replace headliner, replace headlight adjusting screws, align headlights; replace timing belt, accessory belt, water pump, coolant, adjust timing

June 2007 - Repairs: replaced spark plugs

March 2007 - Repairs: Added an auto-dim rearview mirror with compass and temperature reading

October 2006 - Repairs: converted A/C to new refrigerant (works great!), new tires,

September 2006 - Repairs: Purchased, repainted, re-keyed and installed a center stack console from a '87 New Yorker giving me more storage space and cup holders. Looks totally factory original. Replaced rear shocks, flushed brake fluid, new battery and new wheel covers (from a '94 LeBaron).