CBoz

Phil - I took a closer look. The ebay ad is for *hood* hinges -- my trunklid hinges don't have any springs at all, and they also have a distinctive "dogleg" that allows it to get around the edge of the trunklid.

Hey Phil - My '37 hinges hold the trunklid up without a stick (barely right now, but that's a different story). I haven't looked at them closely yet, but they seem to have a "catch" that holds the trunklid up, which is released then by lifting the trunklid further up before letting it down. Right now, they are auctioning a pair of '37 springs on ebay. There are springs on it, but they don't look to be heavy duty -- I think it's the catch mechanism that keeps it up. Hope this helps some.

Hello - I'm starting a restoration on a '37 Zephyr 3-window coupe, and while I know there are some major differences, my understanding is that it had a lot of parts in common with the Fords (things like starter switches, hinge mirrors, , firewall, material, wiper motors, etc., etc.) What sources would you recommend to someone restoring a '37 Ford (except for the engine -- I have plenty on V-8 flatheads and the HV-12). Thanks in advance.

Jim - I absolutely agree with everything you say. I'm 40, so slightly older than you, but we are both in the same boat in that we don't remember ever seeing Zephyrs on the road. So our interest is probably less one of personal nostalgia than the fact that they are beautiful, historically interesting cars that should be preserved. I go back and forth on my opinion about rodding. All I can say is that I really enjoy the challenge of figuring out how cars used to be built and how much technology has changed. To me, the funky oil filler float on the Zephyr is far more interesting than any blown Chevy 350! If you do go by Dearborn, I'll take you up on your offer (my body number is listed in the first message). Now I'll go look at your pics... Oh man, does that ever look familiar. I've got a feeling you and I are going to be exchanging alot of pics and notes.

Jim - George Trickett from Lincoln Motorcar Supply in Vermont (802-948-2121) told me that, although the VIN records for 36-37 were lost in a fire, you can still get info on your car (options, where it was delivered, etc, and I'm assuming color too) by going to the Ford archives and searching under a ledger that lists *body numbers* until you find your car. You might give George a call and ask him about it -- and let us know what you find out.

Thanks for the info, Ace. I spent tonight sorting through the interior pieces. For the most part, I was able to figure out where everything goes (and what wood pieces I'll have to reconstruct), but I figure I'll have to make a trip over to Cary, NC (about 20 miles) to see the 37 coupe used as a model for the ERTL 1:18 model car. Haven't called the owner yet, but he's a LZOC member, and when he hears what a mess I got myself into, how could he refuse? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Pretty exciting, but with the car mostly apart, it's going to be a challenge. Was originally the Garnet Red(?), an almost burgundy color, with tan cord interior. As the owner told me, it only has part of the hot air heater assembly that came with it, so I'll have to decide whether or not I want to pony up the $$$ to put it back, or plug the hole. Any ideas where I can get more info on this? For you numbers folks, it's body number HB 720 758, serial number H23612. The tranny and rear are original to the car as well. I've been looking at the Authenticity manual, and it's fine for what it is, but I really need a body assembly / engine detailing source. Anyone know of any? Finally, while I can tell where most of this stuff goes, I have bunches of little brackets, etc., that I have NO EARTHLY IDEA what their function is! Expect to see a LONG series of posts with pics, saying "What's this? How does this go together?", etc. etc. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, I intend to agree with you there, Dale. Aside from the obvious problems, you'd have three different types of metal coming together, trying to keep a seal. If that weren't enough, I'd like to be party to "going over" the block and assembly anyway.

I agree that the Zephyrs are some of the most beautiful cars made. What's surprising to me is how *relatively* cheap they are. I mean, when 40 Fords are going in the high $20Ks, you would think the Zephyrs would have a bigger pricetag. But hey, I ain't complaining <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Funny you should mention the engine. When the previous owner got it, the car had not been running, and he had the engine rebuilt in anticipation of restoring the car himself -- line-bored, cylinders bored and honed, new main journals, refinished crankshaft, etc. The one problem is that the rebuilder decked the head surfaces due to pitting (evidently common on flatheads) and now the pistons pop out too far! Supposedly, one can get copper gaskets to build it back up, but the previous owner doesn't like that solution, so he's giving me *another* 37 block. I haven't made up my mind which way to go on this. To be honest, I know *very* little about the flatheads and have ordered several books to come in so I can read and catch up, as well as a Zephyr authenticity manual from Earle Brown. But I was in the same position when I started on the Mustang. I simply took my time, read as much as I could, and was able to avoid any serious errors. We shall see, though, right <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> ?? Attached is a shot of the car from behind. I apologize for the quality, but when I take delivery, I'll get some more shots up.

I had my Mustang blasted with a black sand-like substance, and I was very pleased, but my rust problems weren't that severe. The blasting did not remove all the body filler however. But, hey, if it survives sandblasting?... I'll add one more thing to Restorer32's comments: If you do go with sand, make sure the person doing the blasting has experience doing *autombiles*, and not just industrial equipment. I've seen panels that were hopelessly warped because the pressure was too high / gun was held in the same place too long. Of course, in the hands of an experienced person, this shouldn't be a problem.

Hello Ace - Is your car Garnet Red? Supposedly, that's the shade I have, and I'm trying to figure out how dark it is. Seems that red was definitely *the* color for those cars. You might have noticed I took the Mustang pics before putting the front bumper guards on (doh!). Anyway, that website is for the Vintage Mustang Forum, so I can't add Zephyr pics to it. When Time Warner decides to wake up and actually install my highspeed connection, then I'll be rolling...

Hello Jim - Great story on your car. I've yet to start the research on mine. As soon as I get my highspeed internet connection, I'll definitely upload some pics, and we can exchange notes and stories. I was talking to George Trickett from Lincoln Motorcar Supply in Vermont (802-948-2121), and he gave me the names of several folks who were involved in Zephyr restorations and/or provided parts / services. You might give him a call sometime -- he sounds very knowledgeable and was quite willing to talk to me. One thing George said that might be of interest to you: He said that, although the VIN records for 36-37 were lost in a fire, you can still get info on your car (options, where it was delivered, etc.) by going to the Ford archives and searching under the ledger that lists *body numbers* until you find your car. I assume these archives are at the Henry Ford museum? Anyway, seeing how close you are, it might be worth a shot, since George said they may not have the time or resources to do it for you <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. And with regard to digitizing this info and getting it online -- I can't agree more. It's time to get all that great information online where it belongs! How about this -- ONLINE AUTHENTICITY MANUALS, WITH PICS??

Hey Dale - I'll check my email when I get home. Yes, the doors were on and the gaps looked *very* good (Frankly, better than my Mustang <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />). The trunk was also on and seemed to fit well although I'd do a little more alignment. I checked the new floor out closely from above and below and it seemed to be a professional job, although I'll have my bodyman check it out thoroughly. I'll send you a few pics.

Well, after *years* of talking about it and reading, talking about it and reading, etc., etc., I finally bought a pre-war car this past weekend: 1937 Zephyr 3-window coupe. The previous owner had media-blasted the body and completely replaced the floorpans. Not a spec of rust or bondo on it right now. Of course, it will need some straightening in a few places, but not far from blocksanding and painting. He had also had all the chrome redone (bumpers, seat trim, hood ornament, etc.). The drivetrain, suspension and brakes will need a complete going through, but that's to be expected. Anyway, just had to pop off. All you experts are going to be there to pull me out when I get into trouble, RIGHT?? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hello - I am considering buying a 37 Zephyr that has been taken apart for restoration. Having bought old cars in the past and restored a car, I know the general things to look for, but am interested if anyone has *Zephyr-specific* advice with regard to: 1. Key components that I should make sure are there or discount accordingly (the owner says it is complete, but of course, things get lost in the shuffle). 2. Body-related issues, such as rust-prone spots, etc. I know any time you buy a car apart it's a gamble, but any help you can give me with regard to the Zephyrs that will improve my odds would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

"restoring it could cost quite a bit" Yeah, I can imagine finding a replacement gun turret will not be an easy task <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> All kidding aside, from an historical perspective, I can see why it would be worth saving. But for those of us who can only have so many cars (<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />), we have to be a little more choosy about where we throw our money.

Here's the ad: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...p;category=6389 I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think I'd rather have a *non*-classic 1936 120 than this <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />!

Hello - Does anyone know of a good overview book on the Lincoln Zephyrs? I have the old shop manuals, but I am looking for something that describes the features from model year to model year, including trim, color, options, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Dave - With regard to the service manual, what Ford actually did back then was release updates over several years that were put together into a binder; hence, there was no "1941 Zephyr shop manual" per se. Faxon Auto Literature puts out a reproduction of these bulletins. I don't have any experience with them one way or the other, but here is a link to the repro manual on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34225&item=1875787576 Hope this helps.

There are a couple of closed Model K Lincolns listed on the Lincoln Zephyr Owners' Club site: http://www.lzoc.org/classifieds/forsaleprewarcars.htm Happy hunting!

Shawn - You're slowly talking me into it (I'll still have to see if I can actually fit in one, but that's a different story). Now, about background reading -- I know Josh Malks has a book on Cords. Does this book also cover mechanical details? If not, what might you suggest? Where would I get details on the hubs changeover?

Whoever thinks this is a '47 Lincoln is only "half right." http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1874779292 I say LZOC members should form a posse and hunt down the guy(s) who did this.

Oh, I agree, OC. I didn't mean to imply that the 40-41s weren't as nice as the earlier ones; only that PhillyDad had expressed a preference for the earlier ones, and that he might have better luck finding one of the 40-41s. Personally, I go back and forth over which basic style I like better. I guess when I'm ready to buy, the first car available will make up my mind for me!

Phildaddy - From what I can tell, if you can learn to love the 40-41 3-window coupes as much, they seem to be cheaper and more prevalent on the market, despite the fact they are rarer and have some improved mechanicals / body elements. The main external difference I can see is that the rear fenders are slimmed down on the later coupes. Very pretty cars, mind you, but not quite as "swoopy" as the 37-39s.

With regard to the vote, I vote yea as a dues-paying AACA & LZOC member. With regard to the Zephyr (and notice I'm a LZOC member), the fact is FOMOCO deliberately positioned it between the Ford and the senior Lincolns. And in the last LZOC newsletter, even the editor referred to the Zephyr's engine as the "last and the least" of the V12+ engines of the era. But all that aside, the Zephyr is a terrific example of how desirability (and prices)don't always *have* to line up with inclusion in the CCCA. If keeping Zephyrs out of the CCCA keeps a 3-window coupe within my budget, I'm all for it Should Auburns be in? Continentals? Geez, if you think the CCCA has it rough, take a look at the Mustang Club of America which has to accept Mustang IIs!