Definitely a simple restoration. Fix rusty holes and other little quirks. So excited to see what is going to happen next. Thanks for the awesome videos Roman.
I came late to this Dad's Lincoln series, but I love it! Restore it mechanically and safety-wise; it has great sentimental value to you. I hope my children remember me via association with some of the things I leave behind.
Roman, I love the TFLC channel. I dearly wish I could get my cream yellow 83 honda civic hatchback back after all these years, and if I somehow could, I'd do a complete original restore. Since the interior is so nice, you really should restore the car and properly store it or keep it in the garage. obviously this car means something to you, pay homage to your dad and your memories, and create some fun new ones in the process. love live the Diamond Jubilee!
Option #3! Definitely sympathetic restoration. Fix the rust, canvas top, headlight doors and maybe give the engine and respective wiring some love. I've also learned that it won't hurt to take a look at the radiator and clean/replace it.
Restore it. The memories it holds are worth it in the end even if it costs a lot more. Keep the memories alive. I had one myself and in a lot of ways I wish I had kept mine. No matter what you decide you have a permanent viewer in me.
Full complete restore! That car deserves it! That interior looks good which is one less task to attack. attack the rust and do it right so it doesn't come back to hunt you, few bucks on the engine.
Hey Roman. Im a big fan of you guys... It touched me at first how you talked about the memories you had in this car, and truth is, its not done making them. I think you should turn this 20th century master piece full of memories, and make it a 21st century memory maker. Just because you fix and change some of the cosmetics on the car, doesnt mean the memories will fade. I say repair it. Its something that can keep running in the fam.. from your sad to u, from u to your son :) dont loose it again
I say go with Ted suggestion do a sympathetic restoration. By the way, you guys do a spectacular job but your reviews based on your review I purchased my new car thank you very much for all the hard work and dedication that's put forth into doing these reviews
Sympathetic restoration!!! And then loan it to a deserving high school kid to use for his Prom next Spring!! Finally, TFL Car should film the kid picking up his Prom date in it!!
Don't be cheap! If you can't afford it all at once, fix it slowly over the next year or two. It sounds like you have a lot of memories in this car, and you will cherish it forever. I assume you'll want to hand this car down to your children someday, and it wouldn't be the same if it was full of rust holes that keep getting bigger! Make it look good! The car is practically new. Make it something your father would be proud of! By the way, I am absolutely LOVING this series, keep it up!
I would say go with your gut and do what you want and what your dad would have liked. What I would do: not tear it all apart, just replace what one need to (brakes, belts, tires, spark plugs, etc.) and fix the obvious rust spots as well as replace the vinyl roof. I love this series! Good luck!
I had a '76, cream with dark brown landau top and dark brown leather interior. The Diamond Jubilee Edition was one of several special edition Mark V's the Lincoln offered. There was the Jade Green , Bill Blass (my fav), and the Diamond Jubilee. I've seen one of these on eBay, with about 800 original miles go for 40K. If you have the budget, go for the gusto and do it right ! Frame off. The interior looks fantastic! No engine work. Mostly body & A/C. I LOVE these. Good luck with the resto.
I would start slow: a good engine tune up, some new tires, new fluids, some new bulbs, maybe a nice hand wax. That interior is mint so half the work is already done. Then, I would consider giving it some body work (if you got the money, or maybe as a weekend hobby) and after that, it is a personal choice; I would keep it. One thing is clear, this gem has regained new life and it is not going to die soon. Thanks for sharing this experience.
I like the simple restoration. Get all the general tune up stuff done and really make her a runner again. New wires and plugs. Double check all the electrical stuff. New fluids. Check all the bearing, new tires, alignment. Then start focusing on the rust. Hopefully the hood and fenders can be patched, and maybe ditch the vinyl top and have the roof sprayed to match the car. This old Lincoln could really shine again.
Do a sympathetic restoration. This brings back memories of my first car: a blue 1974 Ford LTD passed down to me from my grandfather. Built like a tank!
Hey Roman, I am absolutely loving these episodes. I subscribe to your channel for the new car reviews but never thought I would like these as much as I do. Part of me says do a sympathetic restoration that way the car is the original version your dad saw and touched. Another part says restore fully and your dad would be proud. Good lluck with your choice and can't wait to see how it ends.
Restore it to the condition it was when your memories of it were formed. Make it the thing of beauty of which your father was so proud. It should become something of which future generations may also have fond memories and be as proud of you as you are of your father.
I love this series! I personally would not complety disassemble the whole car to finally build it together again, I think you should fix everything that is broken, you know, like fixing all those rustly wholes, change all fluids and oils, simply get it back to as much original as you can get it, that car doesn't seem like it's all rusted thru, it just needs some proper work but not as much as a car that has been standing in wet grass for over 30 years. Keep it up!
Sinatra was the spokesperson for these. Get the sound system working properly. The 4 channel 8 track was the predecessor to the modern day surround. With the proper 8 tracks, they sounded amazing. Not the best in fidelity, but you can do an upgrade with modern day speakers. These units were made by Audiovox. It's worth it, because this was your DAD"S car. The memories alone make the expenditure worthwhile.
Roman, Recommend a complete body & rust repair / new paint / vinyl roof repair / engine tune up / new tires and you are set to enjoy all the memories this car has to offer. You can pass your father's car on to a relative when the time comes . . .
I keep going back to these vids even though I know you sent it off to a “PBS” auction several years ago. Too bad, the PBS auction is really a booty call for scrap dealers. Given your family history with the car and it’s low 24,000 miles I wish that you had done a budget exterior refresh: patch in rust, strip the vinyl top, inexpensive paint. Just set a dollar limit of $5k to $10k and call it good for however much gets done. It may have had some rust throughs, but there was no collision damage
Restore it, its too rare, and the rust is NOT endearing...Fix it properly. And the paint is thrashed, paint the entire thing. You want it to last so your children can give it to their children...do it right so they have a chance.
I would agree with Ted and do a sympathetic restoration. Just make the exterior look flawless, like removing the blemishes on the paint, fixing the vinyl roof, getting rid of the rust. Then fix the A/C and the radio and your set. It would be an amazing car after that. :)
My father drove a '97 Lincoln Town Car for about eleven years (from the time I was starting preschool right until my freshman year of high school). It sat in a garage for about 5 years, and now having graduated high school, I drive it. I understand the feelings getting behind the wheel can evoke when it's in a car such as your Continental Mk V. Atop all of this, there's something definitely irreplaceable about Classic American Luxury Cars. restore it to the best your budget will allow.
Sympathetic Restoration! Repair the rust, replace the vinyl roof and turn it into something you could use daily and enjoy. Personally, I much prefer cars that look like they are still used, rather than a pristine trailer princess.
I own a 1978 mark v these models are rare and with it having been in your family since new I would restore it right, change out the hood and chrome that is deteriorated. With some that would be in better shape from a donor car.redo the top and the vinyl on the trunk. Paint the car and make your pops proud of you and keep a classic on the road!
I agree with you in that "they're only new once. With that said, I also agree with Steven Grotte in thinking you should just do the repairs that it really needs and keep as much original as possible. BTW, I used to have almost the same model car, but mine was just the normal MK 5 instead of the Diamond Jubilee Edition.
I think it deserves a new lease on life, after washing it and driving it around like that, its time to restore it to last another 10 years :) Love the last minute where the headlights open, wish some cars still had that so I don't have to polish the lights every year or so.
Roman...Since its so close to your heart take the time to do the required servicing it needs first oil,lube tune-up,brakes,tires..then get some estimates for the nu vinyl top and rust repair and other miscellaneous replacement items required to make it complete. If the cost is worth it to you as I believe it will be..make your best effort and take it to a level that will make you happy and your father proud. Remember to share this experience with your family to make it even more meaningful.
I usually don't condone brush usage on a cars paint as I am a detailing fool, but this car needed it BADLY!!! lol You know Roman, you should get a hold of Adams Polishes in CO and do an episode with them on correct car care. They're a boutique car care line specializing in the ultimate shine.
Since the car has so much meaning to you. I would go through the car mechanically completely so that its reliable enough for you to be able to drive and enjoy it. I would also fix the rust and do an entire repaint. Roman your a car guy just like us and we all know you are never going to sell the car so make it nice so when you pass it down to your son he wont have to worry about the financial obligation of fixing the car.
I think you guys should give it the sympathetic just to take care of the rust issues for right now, because its only gonna get worse from there. To me other than the the exterior fixes and the engine the car is just fine. It is a truly beautiful car, maybe in the next 10-20 years it will be ready to be restored just take good care of it!
I say keep it as it is. Fix any mechanical issues but leave everything original and unrestored. I used to have a '70 Mark III and I love the 70's Mark cars.
I vote for the sympathetic restoration. The body really needs some TLC. Get the mechanicals in good shape and do the body work. Its going to be a job for someone to repair some of the weirder areas, but if you don't its just going to continue to deteriorate. Its too special to let it just rot away. As many spots as you are going to have to patch I would just paint the whole car, but you may decide their is enough paint there to save.
I'd say just replace the hood and any other areas that need it, take the half top cover off the car, sand blast it , and repaint it the same color. Then just do the basic tuneup and bada bing, you have a great looking Lincoln. Man I miss my 79 Lincoln mark 5.
I just bought a 79 mark 5 collectors series mine is like new only 7500 miles drove it on interstate 60 miles and filled it up it uesd only 2.56 gallons of gas about 20 miles a gallon I was impressed I always thought this cars were gas hogs
I would keep it as long as it can still run, as I like having items which hold alot of memories still in my possession. One of my old cars remained with us for 18 years
Do a full resto and drive it. Your dad bought it new and if you have in new condition you will appreciate more. If you pass down to your children it will be ready for them. We have to keep these old cars alive.
New paint and top and new diamond back dual band white wall tires. They are rare cars with less than 6,000 made And that's split between the blue and gold so it's rare don't need a full resto but the car deserves to be made nice again. And even more reason because its your dads car
Do a good freshening up on her, paint, new top, a good tune-up, a heavy interior detail, and drive it! Doing this exact thing to my 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz...
Oh someone mentioned brake drums. It has 4 wheel Disk Brakes. They are easy to change and much better aftermarket parts for those are a key in safety. Good modern tires will also help. It is a big heavy car and stopping is a key. Those two things will help it a ton. Literally...
Sympathetic restoration is all it really needs; fix the rust issues, match the paint and re-paint where needed, make sure the engine/trans/drivetrain runs healthy, inspect/re-condition suspension and brakes, and the same for the miscellaneous components. The car looks to be in phenomenal shape and would only really need minor work done so save some money and get a really good car afterward!
I would go for a cosmetic restoration hole repair,paint new top & tires and that's all ! Of course go through all the mechanical stuff as in tune up brake repairs as needed.
I would say rebuild the engine and make the engine bay look all clean, fix the rust, give it a new paint job and repaint the initials (can't forget to keep that) and maybe put a little "in loving memory" thing for your dad somewhere on the car
Exterior restoration to anything that was in good condition when your father passed. Basically repair anything that isn't a memory. Restore it to the level you have fondest memories of.
even though it would involve a lot of time and money I think you guys should go big and completely restore it. I guarantee it would be completely worth it!!! and if I were you guys I wouldn't do anything about the rust, it just goes to show that old American luxury cars are old and still amazing as they were when they drove off the lot. or you could just paint over the rust.... your choice
Frame off doesn't look necessary, but a complete inspection and fix of any mechanical or aesthetic issues would be what I'd do. Finish with a new vinyl roof and paint job, and see if you can find p255/70R15 tires for the classic turbine aluminium rims I hope it has (if not, find some), assuming a tire of that width will fit (I think it would).
I'd go with restoring it fully, get it to as close to new as possible, it deserves that. Especially at that low of mileage that car could be in romans family for years to come.
also, patch and blend there is nothing wrong at all w/ doing that. not all of the paint is bad most of it is still very nice, mostly just fix the hood and the vinyl top areas.
Definitely a simple restoration. Fix rusty holes and other little quirks. So excited to see what is going to happen next. Thanks for the awesome videos Roman.
I came late to this Dad's Lincoln series, but I love it! Restore it mechanically and safety-wise; it has great sentimental value to you. I hope my children remember me via association with some of the things I leave behind.
I would say , get rid of the rust, replace the vinyl top, and try to match the paint,
It's a beautiful car, it deserves a loving restoration. The interior looks fine, the exterior could use some work.
Thanks For All the Suggestions, Keeping Every Option In Mind!
Roman, I love the TFLC channel. I dearly wish I could get my cream yellow 83 honda civic hatchback back after all these years, and if I somehow could, I'd do a complete original restore. Since the interior is so nice, you really should restore the car and properly store it or keep it in the garage. obviously this car means something to you, pay homage to your dad and your memories, and create some fun new ones in the process. love live the Diamond Jubilee!
Option #3! Definitely sympathetic restoration. Fix the rust, canvas top, headlight doors and maybe give the engine and respective wiring some love. I've also learned that it won't hurt to take a look at the radiator and clean/replace it.
full restoration a classic like that deserves the best
Restore it. The memories it holds are worth it in the end even if it costs a lot more. Keep the memories alive. I had one myself and in a lot of ways I wish I had kept mine. No matter what you decide you have a permanent viewer in me.
Sympathetic restoration, bodywork, it's not a bad car, don't spend money you don't need to. I always liked these cars.
With all the memories that the car holds, I believe a full restoration is in order.
restore it all of course ... these cars is a real art ... they should maintain and live for generations
Full complete restore! That car deserves it! That interior looks good which is one less task to attack. attack the rust and do it right so it doesn't come back to hunt you, few bucks on the engine.
Hey Roman. Im a big fan of you guys... It touched me at first how you talked about the memories you had in this car, and truth is, its not done making them. I think you should turn this 20th century master piece full of memories, and make it a 21st century memory maker. Just because you fix and change some of the cosmetics on the car, doesnt mean the memories will fade. I say repair it. Its something that can keep running in the fam.. from your sad to u, from u to your son :) dont loose it again
I say go with Ted suggestion do a sympathetic restoration. By the way, you guys do a spectacular job but your reviews based on your review I purchased my new car thank you very much for all the hard work and dedication that's put forth into doing these reviews
Sympathetic restoration!!!
And then loan it to a deserving high school kid to use for his Prom next Spring!!
Finally, TFL Car should film the kid picking up his Prom date in it!!
Don't be cheap! If you can't afford it all at once, fix it slowly over the next year or two. It sounds like you have a lot of memories in this car, and you will cherish it forever. I assume you'll want to hand this car down to your children someday, and it wouldn't be the same if it was full of rust holes that keep getting bigger!
Make it look good! The car is practically new. Make it something your father would be proud of!
By the way, I am absolutely LOVING this series, keep it up!
I would say go with your gut and do what you want and what your dad would have liked.
What I would do: not tear it all apart, just replace what one need to (brakes, belts, tires, spark plugs, etc.) and fix the obvious rust spots as well as replace the vinyl roof.
I love this series! Good luck!
I had a '76, cream with dark brown landau top and dark brown leather interior. The Diamond Jubilee Edition was one of several special edition Mark V's the Lincoln offered.
There was the Jade Green , Bill Blass (my fav), and the Diamond Jubilee. I've seen one of these on eBay, with about 800 original miles go for 40K. If you have the budget, go for the gusto and do it right ! Frame off. The interior looks fantastic! No engine work. Mostly body & A/C. I LOVE these. Good luck with the resto.
Restore it ! Memories are priceless ! Of all your friends and contacts, it shouldn't be expensive. Good luck !
I would start slow: a good engine tune up, some new tires, new fluids, some new bulbs, maybe a nice hand wax. That interior is mint so half the work is already done. Then, I would consider giving it some body work (if you got the money, or maybe as a weekend hobby) and after that, it is a personal choice; I would keep it. One thing is clear, this gem has regained new life and it is not going to die soon. Thanks for sharing this experience.
that car deserves a complete respray, not a frame off restoration, but a good quality respray
I love this car. Please breath the life back into it.
I like the simple restoration. Get all the general tune up stuff done and really make her a runner again. New wires and plugs. Double check all the electrical stuff. New fluids. Check all the bearing, new tires, alignment. Then start focusing on the rust. Hopefully the hood and fenders can be patched, and maybe ditch the vinyl top and have the roof sprayed to match the car. This old Lincoln could really shine again.
Do a sympathetic restoration. This brings back memories of my first car: a blue 1974 Ford LTD passed down to me from my grandfather. Built like a tank!
Frame off restoration. Sounds like the memories you have with the cars are worth the money.
Complete Restoration = Completely Reliving Your Childhood Memories :-)
Hey Roman, I am absolutely loving these episodes. I subscribe to your channel for the new car reviews but never thought I would like these as much as I do. Part of me says do a sympathetic restoration that way the car is the original version your dad saw and touched. Another part says restore fully and your dad would be proud. Good lluck with your choice and can't wait to see how it ends.
Restore it to the condition it was when your memories of it were formed. Make it the thing of beauty of which your father was so proud. It should become something of which future generations may also have fond memories and be as proud of you as you are of your father.
I love this series! I personally would not complety disassemble the whole car to finally build it together again, I think you should fix everything that is broken, you know, like fixing all those rustly wholes, change all fluids and oils, simply get it back to as much original as you can get it, that car doesn't seem like it's all rusted thru, it just needs some proper work but not as much as a car that has been standing in wet grass for over 30 years. Keep it up!
Sinatra was the spokesperson for these. Get the sound system working properly. The 4 channel 8 track was the predecessor to the modern day surround. With the proper 8 tracks, they sounded amazing. Not the best in fidelity, but you can do an upgrade with modern day speakers. These units were made by Audiovox. It's worth it, because this was your DAD"S car. The memories alone make the expenditure worthwhile.
Roman,
Recommend a complete body & rust repair / new paint / vinyl roof repair / engine tune up / new tires and you are set to enjoy all the memories this car has to offer. You can pass your father's car on to a relative when the time comes . . .
I keep going back to these vids even though I know you sent it off to a “PBS” auction several years ago. Too bad, the PBS auction is really a booty call for scrap dealers. Given your family history with the car and it’s low 24,000 miles I wish that you had done a budget exterior refresh: patch in rust, strip the vinyl top, inexpensive paint. Just set a dollar limit of $5k to $10k and call it good for however much gets done. It may have had some rust throughs, but there was no collision damage
Complete restoration! It's worth it.
Restore it, its too rare, and the rust is NOT endearing...Fix it properly. And the paint is thrashed, paint the entire thing. You want it to last so your children can give it to their children...do it right so they have a chance.
You have to restore it! It's just beautiful...
I think it would be really awesome to see it restored...especially because of how much the car means to you
Do a full restoration, after all it is your Dad's car! The car deserves it!
I would agree with Ted and do a sympathetic restoration. Just make the exterior look flawless, like removing the blemishes on the paint, fixing the vinyl roof, getting rid of the rust. Then fix the A/C and the radio and your set. It would be an amazing car after that. :)
complete restoration would be very interesting to see!
My father drove a '97 Lincoln Town Car for about eleven years (from the time I was starting preschool right until my freshman year of high school). It sat in a garage for about 5 years, and now having graduated high school, I drive it. I understand the feelings getting behind the wheel can evoke when it's in a car such as your Continental Mk V. Atop all of this, there's something definitely irreplaceable about Classic American Luxury Cars. restore it to the best your budget will allow.
Sympathetic Restoration! Repair the rust, replace the vinyl roof and turn it into something you could use daily and enjoy. Personally, I much prefer cars that look like they are still used, rather than a pristine trailer princess.
Restore it properly!!
My great grandad had an 81 gold , loved that car . Rebuild the motor and restore paint with major detail see how it looks and fix rust lol
sympathetic restoration.
You gotta be proud of your ride
Make it look good! Memories are worth more than money!
I own a 1978 mark v these models are rare and with it having been in your family since new I would restore it right, change out the hood and chrome that is deteriorated. With some that would be in better shape from a donor car.redo the top and the vinyl on the trunk. Paint the car and make your pops proud of you and keep a classic on the road!
Restore it Roman. I love those old Lincolns.
Sympathetic Restoration!!!!
I agree with you in that "they're only new once. With that said, I also agree with Steven Grotte in thinking you should just do the repairs that it really needs and keep as much original as possible.
BTW, I used to have almost the same model car, but mine was just the normal MK 5 instead of the Diamond Jubilee Edition.
FULL RESTORATION! ITS WHAT YOUR DAD WOULD WANT ROMAN! :)
I think it deserves a new lease on life, after washing it and driving it around like that, its time to restore it to last another 10 years :) Love the last minute where the headlights open, wish some cars still had that so I don't have to polish the lights every year or so.
Restore the car. A real classic!
Roman...Since its so close to your heart take the time to do the required servicing it needs first oil,lube tune-up,brakes,tires..then get some estimates for the nu vinyl top and rust repair and other miscellaneous replacement items required to make it complete. If the cost is worth it to you as I believe it will be..make your best effort and take it to a level that will make you happy and your father proud. Remember to share this experience with your family to make it even more meaningful.
I usually don't condone brush usage on a cars paint as I am a detailing fool, but this car needed it BADLY!!! lol
You know Roman, you should get a hold of Adams Polishes in CO and do an episode with them on correct car care. They're a boutique car care line specializing in the ultimate shine.
Full Restoration. Plus some upgrades to make it run smooth and look great.
I would say sympathetic restoration! Beautiful car! I would keep it!
Since the car has so much meaning to you. I would go through the car mechanically completely so that its reliable enough for you to be able to drive and enjoy it. I would also fix the rust and do an entire repaint. Roman your a car guy just like us and we all know you are never going to sell the car so make it nice so when you pass it down to your son he wont have to worry about the financial obligation of fixing the car.
I used to have one of these cars and I really miss it. Do a complete restore.
I think you guys should give it the sympathetic just to take care of the rust issues for right now, because its only gonna get worse from there. To me other than the the exterior fixes and the engine the car is just fine. It is a truly beautiful car, maybe in the next 10-20 years it will be ready to be restored just take good care of it!
Full restore, you'll be glad you did it right.
not a complete restoration, but a total repair of every important pieces.
i loved the Cajun Music at the end!
Full restoration worth the personal Value
I say keep it as it is. Fix any mechanical issues but leave everything original and unrestored. I used to have a '70 Mark III and I love the 70's Mark cars.
Sympathetic restoration!
Do a full exterior restoration! That interior looks gorgeous. Just fix the electrical stuff.
I vote for the sympathetic restoration. The body really needs some TLC. Get the mechanicals in good shape and do the body work. Its going to be a job for someone to repair some of the weirder areas, but if you don't its just going to continue to deteriorate. Its too special to let it just rot away. As many spots as you are going to have to patch I would just paint the whole car, but you may decide their is enough paint there to save.
Full restoration! Make her look brand new!
Complete restoration!
I'd say just replace the hood and any other areas that need it, take the half top cover off the car, sand blast it , and repaint it the same color. Then just do the basic tuneup and bada bing, you have a great looking Lincoln. Man I miss my 79 Lincoln mark 5.
Sympathetic Restore, make it look good and run good.
I have a 78 lincoln continental I have restored and when I drive it I am proud to have spent every dollar I did.
daniel molina bro I jus brought a 79 continental the other day I’m in love but I hve a lil restoring to do
I just bought a 79 mark 5 collectors series mine is like new only 7500 miles drove it on interstate 60 miles and filled it up it uesd only 2.56 gallons of gas about 20 miles a gallon I was impressed I always thought this cars were gas hogs
I would keep it as long as it can still run, as I like having items which hold alot of memories still in my possession. One of my old cars remained with us for 18 years
Do a full resto and drive it. Your dad bought it new and if you have in new condition you will appreciate more. If you pass down to your children it will be ready for them. We have to keep these old cars alive.
It deserves a full restoration
Oh clean the interior to. The back of the dash looked a bit dirty and the leather could be wiped a bit! Great video though. I love the series so far!
restore it guys such a treasure.
New paint and top and new diamond back dual band white wall tires. They are rare cars with less than 6,000 made And that's split between the blue and gold so it's rare don't need a full resto but the car deserves to be made nice again. And even more reason because its your dads car
i'd do a full on restoration. it's one of those classic luxury cars that would look nice fully restored.
sympathetic restoration!!!!!!!!!
Fix the rust , new top ,fix plastic and major tune up it's a great car less is more
Do a good freshening up on her, paint, new top, a good tune-up, a heavy interior detail, and drive it! Doing this exact thing to my 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz...
Oh someone mentioned brake drums. It has 4 wheel Disk Brakes. They are easy to change and much better aftermarket parts for those are a key in safety. Good modern tires will also help. It is a big heavy car and stopping is a key. Those two things will help it a ton. Literally...
Come on Roman make your dad proud!!!
I love to see that rear vinyl redone
Sympathetic restoration is all it really needs; fix the rust issues, match the paint and re-paint where needed, make sure the engine/trans/drivetrain runs healthy, inspect/re-condition suspension and brakes, and the same for the miscellaneous components. The car looks to be in phenomenal shape and would only really need minor work done so save some money and get a really good car afterward!
I would go for a cosmetic restoration hole repair,paint new top & tires and that's all ! Of course go through all the mechanical stuff as in tune up brake repairs as needed.
I would say rebuild the engine and make the engine bay look all clean, fix the rust, give it a new paint job and repaint the initials (can't forget to keep that) and maybe put a little "in loving memory" thing for your dad somewhere on the car
a lincoln is still better than a cadillac....
Exterior restoration to anything that was in good condition when your father passed. Basically repair anything that isn't a memory. Restore it to the level you have fondest memories of.
even though it would involve a lot of time and money I think you guys should go big and completely restore it. I guarantee it would be completely worth it!!! and if I were you guys I wouldn't do anything about the rust, it just goes to show that old American luxury cars are old and still amazing as they were when they drove off the lot. or you could just paint over the rust.... your choice
I would at least take care of the rust and look into replacing the canvas bonnet across the back.
Awesome job cleaning it up!
Do a full Restore it was your Dads car and his pride,also strong memories for you.
Just spend the money you can and want to spend! Don't give up on the car, keep it always and pass it on. Its worth some investment.
Frame off doesn't look necessary, but a complete inspection and fix of any mechanical or aesthetic issues would be what I'd do. Finish with a new vinyl roof and paint job, and see if you can find p255/70R15 tires for the classic turbine aluminium rims I hope it has (if not, find some), assuming a tire of that width will fit (I think it would).
I'd go with restoring it fully, get it to as close to new as possible, it deserves that. Especially at that low of mileage that car could be in romans family for years to come.
Fix - Pain - Enjoy !!!
but careful painting the 3 letters on the sides
it's really cool!!!
also, patch and blend there is nothing wrong at all w/ doing that. not all of the paint is bad most of it is still very nice, mostly just fix the hood and the vinyl top areas.
Restore it to mint condition. Get a top Overhaul done. Definitely rewiring. and enjoy this piece of classic for another 30 years
awesome