MARK VI LOVE: 2nd Year Review Written by Reginald A. Craig
MARK VI LOVE: 2nd Year Review Written by Reginald A. Craig
Attention everyone!!! It’s my classic car anniversary and this special date calls for a celebration. Please follow along as I showcase all the fantastic moments I’ve experienced since last autumn with my Lincoln Continental Mark VI.
COMFORT MY MOTHER:
Last Thanksgiving my family drove Grandma in luxury to our holiday festivities. We surprised her in the Mark VI where she had plush front seating and a gleaming view beyond the navigating ornament. She’d seen my Lincoln before but never as a passenger. Prior to this moment the car was awaiting critical repair.
Finally road worthy for travel, the journey included a dose of precaution by having emergency equipment on board just in case of a breakdown. Thankfully we arrived to our destination flawless and in style. For many extended family members, this was the first time they’d seen my car in person. Nevertheless the Mark VI was one of many holiday topics we shared over a hot meal. What’s also amazing about that evening was, I drove my Mark VI at night for the first time.
SHIVERING CHIVALRY:
Every year in late November the weather gets questionable in the Great Lakes Region. I had prepared for what was to come by adding fuel stabilizer to the gas tank and called it a wrap for 2018. Durning the winter season I kept the battery charged to help the electrical circuits stay alive. More or less I considered this phase to be hibernation. it’s funny though; because the eyes peeked open when supposedly asleep. You see, due to the cold temperatures the stored vacuum pressure began to slowly escape causing the headlight covers to gradually open.
(Warning: If you spook easily this could be a creepy sight when you walk into the garage)
On days when the temps occasionally reached 32 degrees and above, I’d start the car briefly and the headlight doors closed immediately. Also I’d take that time to wipe the lite dust off the windows and body. I believe we bonded in those moments most in anticipation for warmer days.
PEACE IN THE STREETS:
At the first thaw of the new year I awaken the Lincoln to be fitted for a fresh exhaust. The big cruising events were a few months away, but I wanted to get a jump on preparation. Oh! Man…Indeed was it necessary to start with the exhaust. Loud and Smoky. The stock exhaust had definitely seen better days. Every part after the Catalytic Converter on back was warn and rattled. For a while there I felt sorry for anyone who pulled up next to me at the traffic light with their windows open, I’m sure they got a plume of fume. When I received the car back after the repair, I turned the ignition key and the only thing I could hear was the starter motor. The muffler was so quiet that I thought the car had stalled. In that moment I realize this old car still had luxury running through its veins.
SPRING HAD SPRUNG:
CRUISES FOR “BABY” LAND YACHT:
I’ve been attending local cruises for the past 25 years. These events have become a family tradition for us. I believe classic car cruises are one of summers high points for participants and spectators alike. Every year I’d grow closer to the idea of joining in. Now that I own a classic I can tell you first hand, it’s truly a miracle these old vehicles are still on the road. However, last year I had to go without the Lincoln because it was spilling gas every time I hit the brakes. With much progress made since then, I’m happy to announce that this year I participated in three cruises.
July 27th was the Telegraph Cruise. It is conveniently the closest location to my community and is celebrated the fourth Saturday every July. For me this cruise represented the “Guinea Pig” of what was to come. The time was short and sweet, plus a radiator leak was something I had to beat.
Thankfully the radiator was fixed just in time before the Holy Grail of Michigan auto events. That’s right! The Woodward Dream Cruise, held on the third Saturday of August. This is the longest running and largest organized car event in the country. Packing your patients was necessary for this one, because it’s a slow roll though 9 cities including the border of Detroit to Pontiac Michigan. Car Meets like this really test the vehicles endurance from overheating and driver fatigue too.
Last but certainly not least was the Hines Drive Cruise, officially named Cruisin’ Hines. The Wayne County Parks And Recreation Department predetermines this event for a selected Sunday each August. This tree lined two lane road spans 6 miles reserved exclusively for cars, no motorcycles. Entry qualified to only quarter century and older vehicles plus a five dollar donation. In my opinion based on my personal experience, this is the most enjoyable gathering of all. Believe it or not I almost didn’t make this event, it was yet another close call. Just 24 hours prior to the cruise the starter signal wire had a short between the ignition and the solenoid.
Thankfully my son assisted me by turning the key while I chased down the blue striped red wire. Using a probe tester we were successfully able to hunt down the problem and ready to join the fun. You could literally and figuratively say that situation came down to the wire.
Thankfully my son assisted me by turning the key while I chased down the blue striped red wire. Using a probe tester we were successfully able to hunt down the problem and ready to join the fun. You could literally and figuratively say that situation came down to the wire.
Actual Footage - My Hines Drive Cruise:
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
Classic car ownership is rewarding and full of thumbs up. However, the roller coaster of repairs requires maturity to keep you riding on the tracks. Celebrate your experience by sharing the vast knowledge you gain in every win or loss. Before you ever doubt the value of your classic, ask yourself; is the perfect car ever driven?
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