"vintage" Town car

[streetstar]

Alright

-- this came into my possession a few months ago and it is an absolute gas to drive ---

I actually sought this out and bought it on purpose-- it wasn't handed down to me by an aging relative or anything

I wanted an old Lincoln , but I didn't want to go back so far that I needed to fully restore one, -- or deal with a 10mpg 460 V8

This one is an 86, has a FI 5.0 motor , gets pretty good mileage, and is an absolute gas to drive

Problem is -- I am in a dilemma where I want to take it forward a bit in appearance -- but don't want to "cross the line"

My thoughts were - 2" lowering or thereabouts , some 17" Tru-Spokes, and some decent pinstriping or ghost flames possibly while retaining all other aspects of a Lincoln ---

If anybody has any thoughts on how to trick out a big Lincoln- chime in ! --- I have seen a couple of Mark 3's on Counting Cars that were killer, -- but Lordy - those are $40,000 builds and are 2 door to boot

I really like this car -- but now that I have had it a few months - want to take it out of the "inherited from grandma" realm and invoke a little more style to it

thx in advance for any suggestions


edited to add: -- this isn't intended to be a big $$ project --- I know custom springs would be in order, sure, -- but no body mods and I was going to have what few dings it has pdr'ed and work off the existing paint --- I almost spit out my beer when I saw what real Tru-spoke's cost as well ---- if anyone has any suggestions on a wheel choice that would be a tad cheaper but look appropriate on a rockabilly style luxury car --- I'm listening

[Russell Ashley]

Man, I love those 70s/80's land yachts, but then I'm 75, so those are still new cars to me, LOL. I drove an 87 Chrysler 5th Avenue until about ten years ago when I decided that a Suburban was what I wanted.
That's a great looking Lincoln you have. I like your ideas except for the flames. I think that would be too out of character.

[streetstar]

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

Man, I love those 70s/80's land yachts, but then I'm 75, so those are still new cars to me, LOL. I drove an 87 Chrysler 5th Avenue until about ten years ago when I decided that a Suburban was what I wanted.
That's a great looking Lincoln you have. I like your ideas except for the flames. I think that would be too out of character.

Thanks Russell !

Yes -- my thoughts on the Lincoln are that if I took it a little too far, it might end up looking like an urban pimp-mobile

It is such a smooth riding car -- not a marshmallow, but its as long as my late model crew cab work truck so I'm sure that wheelbase plays into it a bit

I was a bit unsure on the ghost flames thing also --- was thinking a very light silver fade just on top of the hood , but then again, some nice pinstriping is likely all it needs

[see ten]

Keep it classy...
Stock wheels... and bag it. No flames...

[NONHOG]

I'd ad wheels that have an OEM vibe. Nothing bling. Slightly bigger and wider(newer Mustang 17"?) then call it a day. I actually see those on CL cheap and think what a cool DD it would be. Not hard to get 300+ HP from a 5.0. that would be fun!

[ElKotze]

You're right. Slightly bigger wheels and a modest drop (maybe 2") would push it to the next level. Great car!!

[67ChevyRedneck]

I think you'd regret doing anything to the original paint. Looks like it has a nice pin stripe already.

[Jonboy]

You might want to check out www.lincolnsonline.com . They have a pretty good sized Town Car board over there.

[Flying Hamster]

One of my friends has one.(1987). He swapped in a 5.8, added dual exhaust and flowmaster mufflers, pulled the Air suspension and used Police Crown Vic suspension parts. 15x8 steel wheels with mid-70s Lincoln hubcaps and I think 235/60 15 tires.
Exterior looks stockish, except bumpers were swapped for earlier 80s ones that wrap around the sides. His is black, so it has a different look to begin with.
Oh, rear axle has 3.55 and limited slip.