I bought the car with the knowledge that it need lots of mechanical work. That said, I rebuilt the motor, trans and differential. I also completely rebuilt the front end and rear suspension, as well as a complete brake overhaul and a new wiring harness.
I then had my interior completely restored, and had a 10,000 dollar paint job and new vinyl top to top it all off.
Basically I almost did a complete frame off restoration.
After that, I've had no problems with it. Either I used good parts, or I'm just a good technician (I work for random Korean automaker #1 as a technician).
My car is a black/black top with burgundy leather interior. It is the most sinister of all my other Lincolns (I own 7 other marks from the 70's).
It has the highest horsepower of all my other ones, and its just a blast to drive. Whenever I want to go sneaking around, I drive the black knight!!!
A $10,000 dollar paint job?
Yeah, I'm believing that...
Well you can believe what you want. The money was spent to completely strip the vehicle, weld on new quarter panels as well as a trunk floor (vent through system boots leaked), then primed as well as painted in this order: coat of paint, sand, coat of paint, sand, coat of paint, polish, then four coats of clear followed by a factory correct vinyl top and A-pillar accents.
Like I said, believe what you wish, but by your comment you obviously have never restored a vehicle and/or are used to doing them and accepting sub-standard results. My car's black finish and panel alignment are better than could have been dreamed of in 1971. When it comes to the body work, you pay for what you get, and I expect only the best.
I need to replace the vinyl top on my Mark III, but I can't find the right texture of vinyl.
Where did you get your?
To previous commentor:
Go to your local book store, or large magazine retailer and purchase a magazine called Hemming's Motor News. In the Lincoln section of this "book" there are pages of Lincoln obsolete parts retailers and private sellers. (as well as vinyl top and other upholstery retailers). I got my top from Lincoln Land out of Clearwater Florida. When I bought mine it came white, but all I had to do was dye it to the correct (black) color. It's been a couple years, so I don't know if they still have the correct material (a very "grainy", and forgive the term,"groovy" surface material) but they might know of a current supplier of this material.
The best way to find parts is, believe it or not, not so much on the Internet. What you find online most of the time is "good used" or after-market sub-standard replacements. If you have any questions at all about your Mark III or if I can be of any assistance with any technical questions just post it on this site, I usually visit it daily. Also I am a Platinum certified Hyundai master technician with master certifications in ASE for body, chassis and engine electrical systems. Just ask if you can't figure something out on these sometimes cantankerous automobiles, 10 to 1, I've already fought it. LOL.
I have a 1970 Lincoln Mark III, which I'm restoring. I've encountered a problem with a fuel tank with rust and pin holes, which I have had repaired and had the tank coated inside and out by a radiator shop.
My problem is a deteriorated fuel sending unit. I cannot find a replacement locally (Atlanta GA) for the unit. Do you know of units from other vehicles which would work?
I plan to begin my research tonight in Hemmings Motor News, but it would certainly simplify matters if I could find a new unit available that would fit and would eliminate the long search and delay in continuing my work.
Is there any help available for my problem? Thanks in advance. Hugowa39@Yahoo.com
The 1968-71 Mark III was mechanically a Thunderbird, so perhaps you can try to find one for a Thunderbird? But your best bet would be Lincoln Land out of Clearwater FL. I'm sorry but if you are trying to maintain a vehicle pushing 40 years old, then be prepared to have to hunt down a few parts, LOL. Also try the magazine Hemmings Motor News. Lots of private and professionals selling parts as well as cars.
What he said... I'm restoring a '79 Town Car, and with its age, parts wear out the more you drive. It's not my daily- driver, just a summer toy :) Try Lincoln Land or Baker's Auto for parts. Both companies have web-sites you can visit for further details. Good luck with your Mark III.
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