Project Valentino: You'll always be a part of me

[Hagerty]

It's been over a year since our last Project Valentino update, and during this time my bank account was allowed to heal. But idle hands do not a Valentino make, so I've been acquiring more choice parts online and lining up materials and services to recondition the interior.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/maintenance-and-tech/project-valentino-youll-always-be-a-part-of-me/

[Snailish]

I get it being a parts car. But I do find it ironic.

In our salt belt area, people get stuck mid-project of things that look exponentially worse than this.

60s Mustangs with no good metal below the top of the hood line, etc.

[Sajeev]

This is actually an OH car, but it's pretty clean relatively speaking. But 1984 models aren't nearly as rare as 1982-83 (especially 83s) so if I really want another one, I can get it. 

[audiobycarmine]

Love...
It really does cause blindness. Poverty too, if not reined in.

Lincolns are almost always great cars, so shame shouldn't apply here.
But C'MON, Sajeev; all you're missing is the "Kick Me" sign with the Lincoln cross/star/logo in the center.

Photo #2 ought to be one of twelve... in a calendar for masochistic car-nuts like us.
As proof — I'd buy one!

[Sajeev]

I could fill several calendars for masochistic car-nuts with photos of Project Valentino's progression. They are all online too, which makes the process a bit easier too! 

[Land_Ark]

Ah yes, the best cure for a project stalled is a nice hot cash injection. But it seems the farther along the project you get, the shorter that injection seems to have effect.
"Hmm, my lower fender bolt that no one would ever see is a little bit rusty. I could buy a perfectly usable generic bolt from Lowes, or I could buy this genuine NOS one for $35..." [clicks buy it now]

You could have probably sold the parts car for $3k in today's used car market! Complete with the custom speed holes in the windshield.

I am eagerly awaiting more on the progress of Val (I'm nicknaming your car Val, sorry) as it has been a long time. Just let us know when the "you know what? You only live once and I'm not getting any younger" moment happens and you make the big move to get it past the finish line kicking and screaming.

[Sajeev]

Yes indeed, I am looking forward to much smaller cash infusions now that the paint and body are done! I think I have reached the "you only live once moment" and I hope to have more updates, more frequently! 

[Gary_Bechtold]

A friend of my Dad had a later Lincoln Mark VII with the H.O. 302 and that car was such fun. I definitely found it to be a fun car as a kid as the owner would floor it all the time just for us kids in the back.

[Sajeev]

Looks like you also understand why I'd want that feeling, except with four doors. 

[autorelic]

I've had a few of the Mark VII LSC (HO engine) and a couple of the '83 Continentals - one we shoehorned an HO into. People used to give them to me when the air suspensions gave out. I usually just converted them to coils.
While I no longer have the cars, I have a large space dedicated to all the parts I still have that fit them. I probably have a dozen grilles! One of these days I'll have a big garage sale or send a truckload to the crusher...

[Snailish]

You won't need a garage sale, you're going to have Sajeev with a u-haul at your driveway!

[Sajeev]

Wow, I will be attending your garage sale. That said, the 82-83 Continental had coil springs, so you were given 84-87 models. Sorry, I gotta be that guy.