AKA: Project Continental-drift
AKA: The 'yucky' car
I have joked around at this for a few months... but now, it is realy happening.
I figured I would start a build thread so everyone can play along. I have already amassed a stash of random parts and picked up some wheels this weekend.
Now I know the rears won't work, I need to scrounge some 5on5 15×8s with 4" BS but....
No matter how the rest of build goes: this = WIN!
Those wheels will work. Just need more box flares!
I love old land yachts. 460? I want some engine porn pictures.
In reply to Stampie:
i think it likely is a 460/c6/ford 9 inch combo. so tons of mod potential.
I'll be watching this one. 
Good to know I am not the only one starting my build this close to the challenge. Looking forward to seeing where this goes.
I feel like with all the body roll you're going to be experiencing, fender-exit exhaust will buy you valuable ground clearance and concours points.
Makes me think about finally working on my "free" '88 Town Car...
... our GRM fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new competition, and dedicated to the proposition that “this is awesome!"
This looks like fun!
Ok,for alittle bit more background here we go:
It is a 1979 Lincoln Continental Town Car. It has a 400M V8, C6 trans, 9in rear end and full boxed perimeter frame. It was purchased years ago by acouple of our freinds from the estate of the original owner. My freind Keith bought it to tinker with... but after several deployments to Irag, Afghanistan, and most recently commuting out of state for work he just has not had the time to do anything with it. Keith and his wife Megan desided to sell it, but after it had been sitting for a couple of years, there were no takers, even with a price about half challenge budget.
I made a joke about turning it into a challenge car... mainly because their Autistic son Aaron does not like the Lincoln (he calls it the 'Yucky' car), but he loves my Corvette. Mostly because it has numbers on the side like Herbie. So I thought it would be really funny to make the 'yucky' car into a 'race car'
(Here Aaron is with the Corvette wearing matching shirt I painted for him)
Well now everyone, inclueding Aaron is excited about this build...
I know I have posted these pics before but, this way they are all in one place.
The wife and I, took it to the Goodguys Heartland nationals this year and ran the autoX
As for the body roll.... I work at an Ambulance manufacturer and I have been squirreling away take off parts from heavy truck chassis. I have new shovks from F-350s and 450s, and several take off swaybars. Inclueding this one:
Hopefully between springs, take off parts and some creative fab I can get this thing to corner. Tires are still up in the air, and the 400M limits us on parts potential. The flip side is the 9in will allow a challenge site gear change.
Here is the illustration I did as a 'road map' to our ultimate goal.
I really hope this all works out, and Keith and I make it to the Challenge for 2017... it should be interesting 
that sway bar should stop some body roll.
Four score and seven bad ideas ago? I think you mean four score and seven great ideas ago.
In reply to PMRacing:
I have pondered box flairs... but can't come up with an idea that wouldn't look like a prop from the movie 'Spaceballs' 
Madhatr wrote: In reply to PMRacing: I have pondered box flairs... but can't come up with an idea that wouldn't look like a prop from the movie 'Spaceballs'
I am trying my hardest to figure out a scenario where a 79 Lincoln, that looks like a prop from Spaceballs, is not awesome.
If it has an intake, challenge greatness is just a 250-shot away!
I just checked Wiki, and the 400M does indeed have an intake, so you're good to go.
Why not just roll out the rear fender lip a little? I'm sure there's a shop local to you with a fender rolling tool.
Wait, ambulance swaybars are a bolt-on to the Lincoln Continental?
I love these.
Madhatr wrote: The wife and I, took it to the Goodguys Heartland nationals this year and ran the autoX
In reply to ssswitch:
Not directly but there's probably room under there to work something out.
In reply to AngryCorvair:
Hmmm yes that would do it... but since we are planning to drive there and back, 250hp shot of nitrous on a motor that is notorious for detonation is probably not a wise choice
I am looking for a used intake... and I picked up a set of 400M long tube headers for a f-100 4x4 off Craigslist for $15. Plus I have the cherry bombs I took off the vette when I got the side pipes.
In reply to G_ Body_ Man:
Yes, the fender lips will get rolled some, I am pretty handy with a hammer and dolly. Also worst case scenario we radius the rear arches, but that is more body work than I would really like to get into.
In reply to ssswitch:
Ha!, no... very few things in my world 'bolt up' 
Wall-E is correct, there is plenty of real estate under there to make something work. Currently I have OEM front and rear bars off a '16 E-350, OEM front bar off a '16 G-4500, and the one in the pic is an upgraded rear E-450 bar that came off a wrecked chassis that was going for scrap. So I have some options. The trick is going to get it to corner flat, AND get it on the neutral side. With out making the thing scary unpredictable.
In reply to Madhatr:
I'd personally go the "scary unpredictable" route...the damn thing is 20'-long, it'll still take 30-seconds to spin a full 360.
Current Wrangler wheels are 5x5, and of course Impala SS 5x5s would look awesome on it, should you need to go another wheel route.
You should definitely paint it up vintage La Carrera Panamericana style.
90s Chevy trucks are also 5x5, and there are usually plenty of 15's on craiglist. Impala SS wheels are 5x5, but serious $$$. My B-body wagon is also 5x5, but I bought some $80 eBay spacers so I could use my $60 Vette wheels
Good to know about the Wranglers... I knew about the GM stuff. Impala SS wheels would be nice, but cost is the issue.
The stock car wheels work, and I like the look. Also they are available... I bought 6 used wheels and a set if the Hoosier dirt tires for $75, so I am confident that I can scrounge what I need.
Tires are still a question, I have a good pair of 255-60 R15 Bf Goodrich radial T/As off the vette, and I picked up a set of almost new 235-60 R15 cooper tires for $35. Which is all good for my wallet and the drive to the Challenge... but not the stickiest choices for autocross 
I told you guys I had a lot of random parts!
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