1948 Lincoln Continental
Jim Moore brought Rucker Performance a 1948 Lincoln Continental that was not running. After the first diagnosis the Rucker Performance team discovered that the car had a blown head gasket. The head gasket was replaced and started up. The car ran fine but not great. The Rucker Performance crew continued researching the car and found the timing out of adjustment. Auto Shop Manager Tommy Eddleman pulled and rebuilt the distributor and got her firing on time. The charging system was checked out and wiring repairs were completed.
After a short test drive the transmission was not operating as it should and was falling out of gears. The team pulled the transmission, opened it up and found several years of extensive wear and chipped gears. The process of locating 1948 Lincoln overdrive transmission parts proved to be a challenge. Tommy and the team discovered that this particular type of transmission was the “one to have” by the hotrodders of the 1950s. The Lincoln transmission has a lower first gear ratio for quicker starts and an overdrive feature for higher top-end speeds with less engine effort.
Specifications
- 1948 Lincoln Continental
- Owner: Jimmy Moore
- Flathead V-12 with 3-speed overdrive transmission
Hot Rods by Rucker Performance
Several weeks later the crew finally collected all the parts needed for the rebuild. Once again the 1948 Lincoln Continental was back on the road and running fairly well. However, the car did not stop well. With a little brake work and another parts delay the 1948 Lincoln Continental finally was back in shape and safe to drive.
Jimmy called back shortly after picking up the car and reported that it had not run this well since he had owned it – he was completely satisfied. What is also interesting about this 1948 Lincoln is that a large hydraulic pump controlled a power convertible top, windows and locks. If anyone could believe it, the car also had heaters under the driver and passenger front seats. What a car – what a ride. Clearly, this 1948 Lincoln Continental was years ahead of its time.
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If you are interested in building or restoring a car, contact Rucker Performance at 817-838-3200 for more information and details.