Welcome to Stu's 1963 Lincoln Continental - It's Finally Done!
|
|
|
I got a hold of my friend and picked up the truck and trailer on Tuesday September 23, 2003. I left after dinner and drove up to Greenwich, CT, just over the New York border. Wednesday morning I was up and on the road to Baker's. I got there at 9:10 a.m. and there she was. Unfortunately, the boys were still working on her but she looked great! After about a half an hour, Steve came. Finally, about an hour later, I was able to take her for my first ride in about 25 years. Mat & I hopped in and off we went. What a joy! The car rode great and it was such a pleasure driving her around on that beautiful fall morning. After some more minor adjustments (and paying the final bill!) we loaded her up and off I went.
The trip home was good. Got lots of honks, stares and thumbs up. One toll collector couldn't stop admiring it. Needless to say, I was in heaven. I got back to town about 5:30 p.m. and I had promised to pick my boys up from Hebrew School at 6:00 p.m. in the car. I was back at my friend's place, which was 20 minutes away and hadn't unloaded the truck. My friend told me to come back the next day to unload, so I backed her off the trailer and off I went. The kids were amazed as they got into the car. Steve and the masters at Baker's did a super job; she looks as if she just came off the showroom floor. After I had the kids, it was home to get the wife and then to Stewart's Root Beer for dinner. Although I didn't let them put the tray on the car, we had a blast. The place wasn't busy, but people were looking as they drove by. The owner's son came out and wanted to take pictures for his web site. We're going to set up links to each other's sites.
Over the next 2 days I put over 100 miles on the car. There was a bunch of people that had been listening to my saga over the past 3 ½ years, so I had to show her off. Although it's late in the season, I should be able to make it to 3 or 4 shows. Now that she's all done, I need to thank a few people. First and foremost, I need to thank my wife and 2 boys. She never complained when the bills came in for the car, and even though the restoration cost more than her first house, she never said a word. My oldest son gets the credit for the website. He did a great job and if you want one for yourself, click here. My youngest son kept my going throughout all this. Without their support, it wouldn't have happened. I also need to thank Ellis & Gerri and Mark & Debra Fox from Alliance Landscaping. They were kind enough to let me use their trucks and trailer to bring her back and forth to Baker's. I also want to thank Charlie Mulholland and all the guys at Baker's. They are truly master at their trade and you can see their craftsmanship every time you look at the car.
|
