imported_Phil Knapp

Thanks Abe, I still think that the 56-57 T-Bird/Lincoln turn signal switch is cleaner and easier. No relays, no extra switches, no diodes, etc. It uses the existing rear turn signal bulbs as extra brake lights with **NO** visible external modifications. Compare the (Lincoln) switch in the photo with your stock 41-48 Lincoln turn signal switch. It's a direct, bolt-in replacement with all the necessary additional wiring. The only problem is pulling the additional wires down the steering column. It's easier than it sounds because the 12 volt wires are thinner than the original 6 volt wires. The short distance and infrequent use of the smaller wires doesn't pose any problem. This is the same switch that is used in 1956-57 T-Birds and is available (NEW) from T-Bird parts dealers for about $90. The turn signal schematic is from a 1955 Ford shop manual. The color codes might be different for later models.

I tried a Yahoo search and came up with a 29 page PDF of the auction contents. I didn't feel like waiting for it to download on my dial-up line. Here's what I found at: http://www.walletpop.com/2008/04/03/owww-james-brown-estate-is-on-the-block-hit-me/ And I **QUOTE**: ============================================================ Papa's gotta brand new bag.... Or maybe you're interested in something else? The pickings promise to be funky when the singer James Brown's estate goes on the block in July. Court-appointed estate representatives have selected 394 lots to be sold by New York auction house Christie's International by Aug. 1. According to press accounts, that the singer's posessions and homes be auctioned off to pay legal and tax bills. Christie's estimates his home and the stuff in it to be worth some $1.5 million. The Big Pay Back, indeed. But it's still a man's world out there, and the list has already drawn the ire of the singer's many children and Tomi Rae Hynie Brown, who may or may not be his fourth and last wife. Presuming the auction goes forward (like a night train), what can you reap from the Godfather of Soul? A 1974 Mercedes Sedan, (valued at $25,000). A 1941 Lincoln Continental ($35,000). 78 pairs of shoes and boots ($15,00). I'd feel good with that 1962 Red Thunderbird (valued at $30K). .Although with things getting a little tight these days, I might have to make do with something else, such as one of the 590 listed "accessories," which includes socks, gloves, scarves and, er underwear. Man enough to be a sex-machine like Brother James? Check out the full listing of what's available at the auction at (PDF file). http://chronicle.augusta.com/images/headlines/040208/040208_BrownAuction.pdf ============================================================ End of Quote! It would appear from the comments of readers that Mr. Brown was not liked by all! If anybody can find a picture of the ($35,000) 1941 Continental, please post it....

Thanks Abe, I think the 56-7 T-Bird/Lincoln turn signal switch is cleaner and easier. No relays, no extra switches, no diodes, etc. It uses the existing rear turn signal bulbs as extra brake lights with **NO** visible external modifications! Compare the switch in the photo with your stock 41-48 Lincoln turn signal switch. It's a direct, bolt-in replacement with the necessary additional wiring! This switch is available (NEW) from T-Bird parts dealers for about $90

**SOMEBODY** ought to snap this one up. It looks too nice and too complete to be butchered into a street rod. I already have too many cars! Too bad we can't save them all......

Hi Robert, I didn't think you made up the specs for these blinds. The manufacturers (or marketers) are usually a bit enthusiastic about their specs, trying to cast as wide a net as possible without careful investigation of the absolute dimensions of their target vehicle(s). Sears (Allstate) was one of the biggest marketers of this type of accessory (after J. C. Whitney). These are indeed, an unusual accessory. I don't think I have ever seen them installed in any early Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln. I do seem to remember seeing them in some Plymouths or Chevys a LONG time ago! Probably an interesting conversation piece for a "period" restoration. Would fit right in with ZOOT suits, lighted fender markers, curb feelers, and mud flaps with lights on them! Of course, our Lincolns already have fender skirts. No offense intended!

Hi Robert, Whoever made up the specifications for these blinds apparently wasn't aware of the different configurations of rear windows in pre-war Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns. Oddly enough, all of these cars used the SAME rear window, so these blinds will fit any and all of these cars. --------------------------------------------------------- 1941-48 Ford 2-door, 4-door & Club Coupe 1940-48 Lincoln 2-door 1940-48 Lincoln 4-door 1940-48 Lincoln Club Coupe and 1940-41 Lincoln Business Coupe 1941-48 Mercury 2-door, 4-door & Club Coupe -------------------------------------------------------- 1937-40 Fords, 1936-39 Zephyrs and 1939-40 Mercurys had split rear windows. The blinds might work but they would probably look funny. By the way. there were NO 1937-38 Mercurys.

Hi Ralph. I am unable to view your backup light photo but here's a photo of backup lights on a 1947 Zephyr. I don't know if they are genuine Ford accesories or not. This person has also installed some accessory turn signals and brake lights on his zephyr because he drives it regularly. There is a tidier way to add two more brake lights to these Zephyrs and Continentals by installing a 1956-7 Lincoln/Thunderbird turn signal switch. It's the exact same configuration as the original 1941-48 Lincoln turn signal switch except it has the extra wiring to add brake lights to the existing rear turn signals. Some messing around with the wiring is required as well as snaking a couple extra wires down the steering column. I've had this switch on my '47 Continental for some 40+ years and am planning on installing it on my '41 Continental.

Hi Jeff, It would appear that the Midland and the Bendix units are very similar, both called Hydrovac. I got my Midland brake booster from BSC Parts Warehouse, 824B Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (800) 462-0062. http://www.brakespecialty.com/brake_boosters Part number is: # HAL-C3400. The list price was $900, net $518.69 plus $21.95 for an installation kit. I think this is the same unit that is used on (at least) 1957 Thunderbirds. There are a variety of this kind of unit available. I did an internet search for “Hydro-Vac Brake Booster” and came up with several hits. Years ago I installed a Bendix Hydro-Vac booster on my 1947 Continental. I think it was from a Cadillac, but that was in 1969. I probably got it from a junkyard at that time. Look around – there’s gotta be a cheaper one available somewhere. My local friend got his booster from the same BSC people for his 1948 Continental. His is a different model: SC142C and is slightly larger, but was a bit cheaper.

Hi Jeff, It would appear that the Midland and the Bendix units are very similar, both called Hydrovac. I got my Midland brake booster from BSC Parts Warehouse, 824B Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (800) 462-0062. http://www.brakespecialty.com/brake_boosters Part number is: # HAL-C3400. The list price was $900, net $518.69 plus $21.95 for an installation kit. I think this is the same unit that is used on (at least) 1957 Thunderbirds. There are a variety of this kind of unit available. I did an internet search for “Hydro-Vac Brake Booster” and came up with several hits. Years ago I installed a Bendix Hydro-Vac booster on my 1947 Continental. I think it was from a Cadillac, but that was in 1969. I probably got it from a junkyard at that time. Look around – there’s gotta be a cheaper one available somewhere. My local friend got his booster from the same BSC people for his 1948 Continental. His is a different model: SC142C and is slightly larger, but was a bit cheaper.

Even better, Michael sent me the source and I fixed it up a bit with Photoshop. Here it is.

Even better, Michael sent me the source and I fixed it up a bit with Photoshop. Here it is.

Hi Michael, If you could enlarge your post a bit, perhaps I could read it. My eyes aren't what they used to be! By the way, how is your Continental repair doing?

Hi Michael, If you could enlarge your post a bit, perhaps I could read it. My eyes aren't what they used to be! By the way, how is your Continental repair doing?

My PayPal account is kcd@texas.net

Thanks to the several folks signed up for the set after seeing bulletins 1 and 2 on this forum. For those of us (like myself) who have more time than money, I'll post bulletin #3 here. If we all live for another 18 months, you'll have the complete set - for free!

Strange as it may seem, this window isn't very rare. It's the same identical window used in 1941-48 Fords and Mercurys. As such, I don't see a lot of value in it. I swapped one from a '48 Zephyr along with one from a '41 Ford sedan I parted out some 30 years ago to Merv Adkins a couple of years ago (together with a LOT of other stuff) for a front seat for my '41 Zephyr convertible project car. Now I STILL have the one from my '41 Zephyr parts car that I would like to get rid of. I suppose the value would depend on how badly it's needed! By the way, do you know who used to do ebay with a handle of: "Realpro-Oregon"?

Well, that's an interesting metamorphosis. Rolf's eyes are NOT deceiving him. That right side grille in your first set of photos is DEFINITLY a 1941 part. **SOMEBODY** swapped it out between photos and also removed the funny bumper guards. As to putting 1940 fenders, hood, taillights, bumpers, stainless side trim on a 1946, 47, or 48 car. Not likely!! That would be a FAR bigger job than changing the dashboard, and for what purpose? People seldom wish to regress the model year of their car. In fact, when new cars became available again after WWII, a LOT of 1942 Lincolns were 'updated' with post war grilles and bumpers to make the neighbors think that they were new cars.

Hi Mike, My first recommendation would be that you join the Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club. There is an on-line application form at www.lzoc.org. The Zephyr club has a great wealth of valuable information available, not the least of which is the names of several very reputable, long term parts vendors. The Zephyr club holds two annual Zephyr specific winter swap meets. One in California in November and another in Pennsylvania in February or March (Help me out on this, you eastern folks). What you have looks like a pretty solid car, very well worth restoring! It is my belief that only '41 Zephyrs had a choice of pushbuttons or door handles. I may be wrong, but I think that all later Zephyrs had pushbutton doors. Of course, they weren't called "Zephyrs" after the war even there were no significant styling changes. Good luck with it and keep us posted. Most of us are delighted to see pictures of other people's cars and to share progress reports.

That looks like a '46 dash & steering wheel to me. The front hubcaps are '47-'48. It looks like a pretty nice car, overall.

Several years ago I had a 1939 Ford Standard coupe street rod with a small power brake booster under the floor. The car had a Mustang II front end with front disc brakes which worked very well. I sold that car without ever finding out where the builder got that booster but I'll bet it was a lot like the one you have. Where did you get it? I didn't check any street rod parts guys because I was worried that the little booster wouldn't provide enough boost to stop a heavier car, especially with all drum brakes.

I just got this stuff off ebay and thought it might be of some interest. Check it out.

Yeah, I had a similar experience, not as disasterous, but frightening just the same. In 1962 I was driving my newly acquired 1961 Pontiac Bonneville station wagon from Omaha, Nebraska back to Riverside, California. I was towing a 1960 VW on a tow bar behind the Pontiac. Cruising across Kansas on 2-lane US highway 54 (No Interstate highways in those days), I overtook a convoy of new 5-ton army trucks, each towing another. Nice, straight road and I thought I could pass one pair of the trucks. I got alongside the towed truck and still had a ways to go to get ahead of the towing truck and get myself and the VW safely in front of the rig. Way off in the distance, I saw an oncoming car and decided that I wouldn't have time to complete my pass safely so I hit the brakes - **HARD**. The Pontiac had power drum brakes, but they didn't slow the car down as quickly as I expected them to. It did slow down enough to allow me to pull in behind the towed truck, but the Pontiacs hood was totally undereath the rear overhang of the 5-ton truck bed, just barely missing contact with the trucks rear axle. That incident taught me to plan far enough ahead to compensate for the *LOUSY* brakes on that fancy Pontiac!

Well, I can assure you that the car DOES stop better! (It would barely stop at all before the booster). Conversion to disc brakes would undoubtedly be more efficient, but would STILL require a power booster as well as a proportioning valve and some significant modifications. The lining area may be insufficient for the new, harder brake material, but squeezing harder on them makes up for the deficiency. However, I wouldn't recommend this conversion for a daily driver. The brakes would probably fade pretty quickly. BUT, anybody using a car like this for a daily driver these days - in today's traffic - is flirting with disaster!

Very nice car. Definitly a '40 model. The only visible '41 items on the car are the fender mounted parking lights. Everything else points to it being a 1940 car (the list is long). Power brakes have become almost mandatory these days for safety reasons. The new brake lining material doesn't provide adequate friction to stop the car safely. I hid a Midland power booster under the left front fender on my '41 Continental. It's tucked away out of sight and the only time I know it's there is when I step on the brakes!

Hey, if you guys are successful in pulling this off, please share some photos with us! Some of us are always eager to look at other people's cars!