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starfireelvis

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Posts posted by starfireelvis

  1. I have a set that should be fine, but would like a better set if available at a reasonable price (no triple-digit $ per rim, thank you...) Could get away with three, but four obviously would be better.

    Will be in town late Tuesday afternoon through early Sunday morning; at the swap meet Wednesday through Friday, at car show on Saturday (though would prefer hook up during the week).

    Please let me know; private message is ok.

    Thanks,

    Mike

  2. Well, here's the answer. Yes, the rims I have fit just fine. Problem is, the outer lip of the rim is too shallow to allow for the Lincoln hubcap to be pounded on securely.

    While I imagine that there may well be ways to improvise in resolving this issue, I have since located a set of rims from a '62 Lincoln, that will do the trick.

    Thanks to all who took the time to help out!

    See you at Fall Hershey (good Lord willing) with my Starfire!

  3. Have a friend who had a '63 Lincoln Continental Sedan who needs a complete set of 14-inch rims. I believe they are 7 inches in width. I measured the spare tire rim with a bolt pattern template, and it is a 5 x 5.

    My '62 Olds Starfire Coupe (with air conditioning) also features a 5 x 5 bolt pattern. Just so happens I have a complete spare set of rims for it. Both the Continental and the Starfire call for a 9.00 x 14 tire with a one-inch whitewall (235/75/14 radial equivalent).

    Can an the rims I have that fit the Olds be used on the Lincoln? Let me know, and thanks!!

    Mike

  4. Doing more homework. Thanks for playing a part in helping me to confirm and determine the tire and whitewall size (9.00 x 14 bias ply, or 235/75 (or 80 if I can find them)/14 with the one-inch whitewall.

    Also have confirmed the bolt pattern is a 5x5. Need to confirm the wheel rim width--is it a 7-inch width? And, would a set of 5x5 14-inch rims for a GM car fit a Ford (Lincoln)? The tire/wheel specs for the '63 Lincoln Continental Sedan appear to correspond exactly with my '62 Olds Starfire Coupe (with A/C), and I have a complete spare set of rims for my car...

  5. A friend of mine recently purchased a low-mileage '63 Continental. Appears to be all original (i.e., factory stock), except that somewhere along the way, it's original 14-inch rims were replaced by 15-inch rims and hubcaps.

    I have three of the four correct '63 hubcaps, but only the spare tire rim is correct. Any ideas what years/other Ford products would interchange with them, and where I might be able to obtain a decent set? We want the car to be "Fall Hershey Correct"!

    Also, any non-old tire manufacturer make a correct 235/75/14 one-inch whitewall? I know I could get them from an antique tire source, but we are trying to keep costs down as much as possible. (And yes, I know that "Hershey Correct" would dictate 9.00 x 14 bias-plys--we are going the radial route at this time for handling and safety reasons, so no debates on that, please...)

    Thanks

    Mike

  6. At the time I had these made, there were no boards that I could locate, so after pursuing several suggestions, I went to a local art store , where the proprietor was not only an old car guy (he had a '55 T-Bird), but also was a former Marine, so I knew I would be getting good advice.

    I bought from him two large (I think they were 48 x 60 inches) artist's poster boards, 1/16th inch thick. The guy who did the headliner then had the option (which he used) to double-ply them together to form a 1/8th inch thickness--enough to be durable, provide support, and be pliable enough to be molded (with careful use of a heat gun) to the contours of the edges of the roof lines where there was some rounding.

    I did get the sun visors done through Acme Auto Headlining in Long Beach, California. I did speak to the proprietor there after my project was completed to thank him, and shortly thereafter we talked about the possibility that they might be coming out with a headliner set (with boards); that was two years ago. They may well have come up with something by now?!

  7. ...checking this out for a friend; was hoping that the fact it was a 15-inch tire would make it more readily available on the regular new tire market without having to pay the higher price from a antique tire provider (nothing against them--I do business with them all the time. Just on a budget here.)

    Already frustrated that I had thought I'd found the tire while surfing the web; as there was no mention of the size of the whitewall on their site, I inquired about the availability of a one-inch whitewall in that size. The response I received the next morning from their help desk was that the site doesn't say what width the whitewall is on the tire..

    Well, duh, (in my Lou Costello voice) "THAT'S WHY I'M ASKING YOU!!!!" Some people are walking paychecks...

    Any help is appreciated, and thanks...

    Mike

  8. Excited? Heck yeah!! I sent my registration in for the Saturday car show and evening banquet two weeks ago! And, with the check I just received this week, I took a chunk out of it and I mailed the payment this morning to my Hershey roommate over near Johnstown for my half of the hotel room that week!

    So now, it's looking forward to the six-hour trek east along the PA turnpike on October 7th, and driving into town late that afternoon along Chocolate Avenue, and seeing those wrapped and unwrapped Hershey Kisses street lamps as I cruise on in behind the wheel of my Olds Starfire. Then, as always the past dozen years, all will be right with the world...

  9. Mike, as you know finding a large 14" tire is not easy. I would recommend Diamondback Classics in SC for a modern radial as they can duplicate any white (or red, gold or blue) stripe sidewall. But that's provided they can get a suitable size casing.

    I haven't heard any real bad press over any of the repro tire vendors though I do remember some of the Buick folks had some problems with one company's early radial products. Bound to think the company got the issues resolved.

    I look at it this way. Even though bias tires don't last as long as radials (never did FTM, 15000 miles on a set of tires was considered very good back in those days), the 60s cars were designed to use them, and with a front end in good repair and aligned correctly, the car should drive and handle as it should. And the car will look right.

    ]

    Glenn,

    Great to hear from you--we have a lot of catching up to do. As for myself, I am pretty much going to just keep the bias-plys on the Starfire, as it is "correct", and as has been pointed out, the driving conditions I utilize the car in, I can pretty much handle.

    I had heard about Diamondback being able to manufacture any size and color of whitewall; the confirmation from you I will pass along.

    Shoot me an e-mail sometime, like I said, got a lot of catching up to do!

    Take care,

    Mike

  10. My friend asked me for some help regarding recommendations for obtaining classic tires. While I am satisfied with who I have purchased several sets of tires over the years, and made my recommendations to him accordingly, he would like to obtain feedback, both pro and con.

    What I DON'T want to do is create a blank-storm when it comes to any "negative" experience, as I really do not want to disparage any supplier, particularly based upon one anecdotal bad experience. If there is something alarming that I should "now about" to pass along, I'd prefer a private message sent to my e-mail at mcibulas@neo.rr.com.

    Specifically, he's looking at a one-inch whitewall that would be common to early-1960s GM products, particularly '62-'64 Oldsmobile. The tires would be 8.50 x 14 or 9.00 x 14 (bias play), or the commensurate 225/75/14 and 235/75/14 radial, respectively. It is important to have a one-inch whitewall not flush against the rim, for the proper look, and the preference here is toward radials.

    Again, any positive recommendations, provided with a short explanation why, and negative ones can be included if they are leavened with perspective and mild critique; otherwise, I'd prefer a PM if there is some venting that needs to be done!!

    Thanks in advance,

    Mike

  11. My suggestion--if this is your first time, heck, take in the whole experience. Worst that could happen, is that you didn't like it (which I would doubt would be the case, but at least then, you'd KNOW, instead of WONDER), and make a more informed decision as to what's right for you in the future...

    As for me, here are my feelings about it. It is a fitting capper to a great week, and particularly the great day enjoyed by one and all at the Show on Saturday. I always go with my friend who has been my roommate for years, and gives us a chance to relax, catch up on the reflections of the show day and the week, and also, as an added benefit, meet some people at the same table who, almost invariably, become at least pleasant acquaintances if not more, through the sharing of their experiences during Fall Hershey as well.

    There is a great cameraderie that I find at the Banquet, along with decent enough food (granted, you could spend less and get more on your plate, but it's what you'll be missing by NOT going to the Banquet). There are some pleasant-enough presentations that, in my experience, have never been exceedingly long (unlike several experiences I've had to endure at similar functions by other car organizations), and help to round out the experience by giving some perspective on what the AACA is all about, and the realization of just who and how many people work so very hard throughout the year--at their own volition--to make the entire Hershey experience the enjoyable one it has long been.

    And, unlike most other awards presentation, the issuance of awards is swift, not drawn out any longer than it has to be, well-organized, and to the point. For the well-over 1000+ names to be announced, and to always have the function conclude no later than 9:30-10:00 in the evening, is actually remarkable. Other unnamed banquets I've attended for other car organizations over the years have been quite the ordeal, by comparison.

    So, a strong "Yes--Go! You'll enjoy it!" from me. If I by chance happen to be wrong, apologies in advance, and if nothing else, at least you'll "know" instead of "wonder"...

  12. Received my e-mail of the AACA "Speedster" today, clicked on the links at the bottom of the newsletter, and to my excitement, registration for Fall Hershey is now available!

    Printed up my card, registered for the Saturday Car Show, and Evening Banquet, and the SASE and check is in the mail!

    I would imagine one can access the same link here on this website as well...

  13. I have a friend who is contemplating the purchase of a 1963 Lincoln Continental; admittedly I am a GM guy (Oldsmobile in particular), but if I was Jay Leno, I'd have one of everything, including one of these!

    Who are the good resources for mechanical parts and such here? Also, while I am aware that these vehicles were among the best-engineered cars ever built, what are some of the things I should look into that would be potential problem areas?

    Any input would be welcomed, and thanks again,

    Mike

  14. Need to determine the correct tire sizes, and whitewall width, for a 1963 Lincoln Continental four-door sedan. It does have air conditioning, if that is pertinent (I am a GM guy, and know that also affects tire size in that same era of full-size models).

    What is the correct tire size, in both radial and bias-ply, and also very important is the correct whitewall width. I am guessing it would be a 235/75/15 radial, which would be (if not mistaken) a 9.00 x 15 bias-ply. In either instance, it looks like a one-inch whitewall, not flush against the rim.

    Finally, what is a good source for these tires, especially considering price? While safety is of the utmost importance, I am also wondering if it would be easier to find a 15-inch tire these days on the "regular", everyday tire market, than it would be for the 14-inch size I am accustomed to having to find, which almost always now can only be found through a vintage tire provider.

    Thanks in advance for your assistance!

    Mike

  15. The engine block is apparently cracked; the air condition likely just needs a re-charging. I would contact Dave as recommended for further details.

    Update on this vehicle; the current owner has located an Oldsmobile 394 V-8 engine, and plans to have the vehicle available for sale once the engine work has been completed, likely not until at least Spring of 2014. I will update accordingly...

  16. Yes, prudent advice from Glenn--get that baby quartzed!

    The clock in my '62 Olds Starfire quit working a couple years back; it had been quartzed. The label on the clock had an 800 number on it, so I called it, and they mentioned to me that they must have done the quartz job on it at least 30 years ago, because the address on it was from another state (I believe Wisconsin).

    These folks gave me several options, and had mine re-quartzed within a couple week's time from shipment on my end back to arrival, and it was reasonable--especially if I were to obtain another 30+ years of service from it. Cut and pasted from Hemmings...

    <!-- Listed: Apr 1, 2013

    --><!-- Offered By: Private Seller

    -->Description: CLOCKS: quartz conversions. Do-it-yourself original electric and quartz kits for clocks. Optional instructional video available. Thousands of NOS clocks in stock. Restoration of speedometers, tachometers, gauge clusters and gas tank sending units. Free catalog. Instrument Services Inc, 11765 Main St, Roscoe, IL 61073, PH: 800-558-2674; ClocksAndGauges.com**12-YR**

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