FYI: A 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV, untouched for 35 years, has been resurrected by Junkyard Digs and it fires up despite its rusty state.
Reviving a Classic: The Resurrection of a 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV
Who wouldn’t be fascinated by the revival of a vintage Lincoln Continental that’s been dormant for over three decades? In a captivating YouTube video, the team at Junkyard Digs breathes life into a 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV, a car that has been sitting idle since 1989. The evidence is right there on the license plate, with a registration sticker pointing to its last days on the road.
The Continental, an icon of Lincoln’s storied history, emerges from a dusty and neglected state in the back of a garage. While it initially appears to be a forgotten relic, its restoration journey reveals some interesting outcomes.
A ‘Mint-Condition’ 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV (Just Kidding)
Naturally, this car is far from mint. Missing the keys, buried under a thick layer of grime, mud, and dust, the green-and-white interior remarkably shows signs of survival despite the years. Upon dragging this classic machine out of its dusty tomb, the team encounters a family of mice happily nesting in the trunk. The engine is identified as a D2VE, known notoriously as a “poop head” motor, the least desirable of its generation.
Initial Steps: Bringing Basics Back to Life
The Junkyard Digs crew dives into the basics: a new battery, checking and topping off fluids, and inspecting the fuel system. The aged vehicle necessitates a thorough cleansing or replacement of the fuel tank, plumbing, and possibly the carburetor, due to the likely contaminated and degraded fuel.
A Surprising Turn of Events
The team sifts through the wiring and parts ravaged by the resident rodents before inspecting the engine for signs of seized components. Against all odds, the engine roars to life, emitting some smoke but sounding surprisingly good considering its long dormancy. The engine bay reveals key specs:
– Engine: 460 cubic inch V8
– Carburetor: 4 Venturi 600 CFM
– Fuel Grade: 91 octane minimum
– Oil Capacity: 5 Quarts
– Cooling Capacity: 19.5 Quarts
– Fuel Capacity: 22.5 Gallons
– Electrical System: 12 Volt
Despite the lack of compression or horsepower figures, the car springs into action, driven by determination and a bit of luck. A successful burnout confirms the transmission’s functionality, albeit hampered by seized brake calipers and rusted components.
Taking It to the Streets (or Dirt)
On day two, the team cleans the car, addressing more pressing issues like a hole in the radiator, ingeniously fixed using a part from an old Ford Ranger. Impressively, the headlights, taillights, and blinkers all come alive.
Testing its drivability, the car runs, albeit not street-legal yet, but capable of some rough field donuts. The interior, while not aesthetically pleasing, holds up as the team enjoys the satisfaction of their work.
Conclusion
The resurrection of this 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV is a testament to the dedication and skill of the Junkyard Digs team. Though needing more work before it’s roadworthy, the journey from a forgotten relic to a functional piece of automotive history is nothing short of inspirational. For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Donald Smith,
Editor, Automotive.fyi
