Continental Mark V Lincoln Tech

Lincoln Technical Articles to help you keep your Lincoln running perfectly.

Choosing the Right White Wall Tires

(Figure A: Firestone FR380, Cooper Trendsetter, Mastercraft A/S IV)

This section discusses the challenge of finding quality white wall tires for classic Lincolns, such as the 1979 Lincoln Mark V. The author shares their personal experience discovering outdated Michelins and explores modern alternatives including:

  • Firestone FR380 – Best overall quality and warranty.

  • Cooper Trendsetter – Budget-friendly with decent appearance.

  • Mastercraft A/S IV – Mid-range option with moderate durability.

Restoring the Seat Belt Chime on 1978-79 Lincolns

(Figure B: Chime Unit and Tomboli Mechanism)

The next section explains how to troubleshoot and repair the optional seat belt chime in the 1978-79 Lincoln models, especially the Diamond Jubilee editions. The seat belt chime works like an old-fashioned doorbell, operated by a “tomboli” hitting a tone bar. Over time, rust and moisture can freeze the tomboli in place.

Steps for restoration include:

  • Accessing the unit behind the glove box.

  • Removing the glued lid carefully.

  • Sanding and freeing the tomboli (see Figure B).

  • Replacing the felt damper and addressing ground issues at the seatbelt retractor.

Restoring the Seat Belt Chime on 1978-79 Lincolns

(Figure B: Chime Unit and Tomboli Mechanism)

The next segment explains how to troubleshoot and repair the optional seat belt chime in the 1978-79 Lincoln models, especially the Diamond Jubilee editions. The seat belt chime works like an old-fashioned doorbell, operated by a “tomboli” hitting a tone bar. Over time, rust and moisture can freeze the tomboli in place.

Steps for restoration include:

  • Accessing the unit behind the glove box.

  • Removing the glued lid carefully.

  • Sanding and freeing the tomboli (see Figure B).

  • Replacing the felt damper and addressing ground issues at the seatbelt retractor.

Close-up of the underside of a vehicle showing a charcoal canister to the right with a plastic component behind it, as indicated by the label.
Close-up of mechanical parts inside an aircraft or machinery compartment, showing a metal bracket, a spring, and a pulley or wheel with a wire attached. An annotation indicates a mini-vent window bracket to the left and a spring to be run as shown be
The image shows the inside of a mechanical or electrical device with a burlap tie wrap at the end of a sheath, as labeled 'Figure C'.
Black and white advertisement for the 1977 Lincoln Continental, showing a woman standing beside a large, vintage luxury car.
Black and white photograph of a 1977 Cougar Brougham car with a woman standing beside it.
Black and white advertisement for the 1977 Mercury Marquis car showing a side view of the car with a woman standing behind it. The text highlights features and improvements for the 1977 model, with the release date on September 26, 1976.