I am starting a new project next month. I am going to give my Mark a complete transformation. I just bought a complete black interior minus the seats. I am still looking for seats. I have everything. Headliner, carpet, dash, center console, seatbelts, door panels. I am trying to decide if the exterior color should remain silver. Or should I paint it black. What do you think?

there are a set of black seats on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/lincoln-mark-VIII-front-pwr-bucket-seats-leather-black_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33701QQitemZ80538 91772QQrdZ1

I saw those seats. I am going to pass on those, I am looking for the ones with the Lincoln logo.

If it's factory paint and it looks good? Which it does, Don't repaint.

I have my 95 LSC black seats for sale, in good condition. PM me for pics if interested...

So do you think silver with black interior would look good? Has there ever been a Mark with that combination?

What color is your current interior? I ask because I have been looking for the sunroof motor access panel thing above the rear seat. If you have one in light grey let me know.

What color is your current interior? I ask because I have been looking for the sunroof motor access panel thing above the rear seat. If you have one in light grey let me know.




I've got one in my 95' thats about to be removed. Let me know if you want it.


Mike

i also need light grey interior parts - driver's side door panel, headliner, stuff like that.

silver with a black interior is a mighty fine combination if you ask me.

i also need light grey interior parts - driver's side door panel, headliner, stuff like that.



The ENTIRE Lt grey interior is comming out of my 95 this weekend. I will also have the headliner, but with the condition it's in.....you would be better off taking yours to a local apholstry shop, and having it redone.

It looks like one of the previous owners had his girlfriend's high heels imbedded in it. Other than that(and the steering wheel), the interior is in good shape. Here are some pics.


Mike

Let me know if you want better pics of something and I can take my camera to work to get them.

What color is your current interior? I ask because I have been looking for the sunroof motor access panel thing above the rear seat. If you have one in light grey let me know.

My current interior is Gray.

Also to everyone else, I am going to have everything grey available. The headliner, the the dash, the center console, the shift lever, the back carpet behind the rear seats. I'm going to hold on to the seats and door panels until I find some replacements. I am going to start the transformation this weekend.

Are you swapping the dash out as well?

Are you swapping the dash out as well?

Yes, I am putting in a dash from a 96

Are you swapping the dash out as well?


i sent you a pm :)

Well, the Mark Makeover Project took a different turn. It is a pain in the ass to take the dash loose!:mad: :mad: I will never do that again. I will definately save up to have any work done. I didn't buy the black pieces, so I kept things as they currently are. I replaced the blend door then I put the whole thing back together. I had screws everywhere. For those with Gen I Marks. There are only 4 blend door motors left brand new in the whole United States, and they are in Beaumont, TX.

I am starting a new project next month. I am going to give my Mark a complete transformation. I just bought a complete black interior minus the seats. I am still looking for seats. I have everything. Headliner, carpet, dash, center console, seatbelts, door panels. I am trying to decide if the exterior color should remain silver. Or should I paint it black. What do you think?


SAME HERE SON! im going to be doing black on black...piece by piece, over time...but yea...black on black is the $hit.

I can pull a dash and have it back in, in 3 hours. Just did it today. :)



Mike


Something like this.....

kudos to you Mike. This was a pain in my rear. I don't know if I'll ever try this again.

Well this weekend I will start with the disassembly. Now that I have most of my pieces in place and ready to go in I believe the interior will be looking awesome. Check out what I have now.

:)...Looking good man,



I'll have an update for my 95 tomorrow night.


Mike

This is such a bad-ass idea.

Mike is the man alright......:D

Well I finally got the dash out that for me was one hell of a job. Sunday I will start putting in the black. Check out the mass of wires. It looks very intimidating.

Well, the Mark Makeover Project took a different turn. It is a pain in the ass to take the dash loose!:mad: :mad: I will never do that again. I will definately save up to have any work done. I didn't buy the black pieces, so I kept things as they currently are. I replaced the blend door then I put the whole thing back together. I had screws everywhere. For those with Gen I Marks. There are only 4 blend door motors left brand new in the whole United States, and they are in Beaumont, TX.

I'm glad I have a brand new one stashed away:D I hope both of you replaced the heater cores while you had the dash out.

My blend door and heater core has already been changed already.:p

T
It looks like one of the previous owners had his girlfriend's high heels imbedded in it.


what the headliner?

haHAHAHAHA gettin laid in the mark 8 yea if she had long sexy legs with some high heels they where definitly going into the headliner. lol not much room for bang bang in the mark 8 but you can you just have to be creative hehehehe.

Do you have to take the entire dash out to get to the blend door? If so what kinda price does a dealer charge to replace that and the heater core?

To get to the actuator motor, no. The right side of the dash only has to be pulled back 4 inches or so. As for the heater core, I would not wish that on anyone.

I totally disagree. You cannot get to the blend door without pulling the dash out. You can't get to it through the radio or AC openings. So IMO you would have to pull the dash out about 6 to 8 inches so you can fit your arm in there with a nut driver . To do the heater core, the dash will have to come out. No other way to do it.

So do you think silver with black interior would look good? Has there ever been a Mark with that combination?
my 94 Mark is silver with all black interior. I love it.:D

I totally disagree. You cannot get to the blend door without pulling the dash out. You can't get to it through the radio or AC openings. So IMO you would have to pull the dash out about 6 to 8 inches so you can fit your arm in there with a nut driver . To do the heater core, the dash will have to come out. No other way to do it.

Well since I did it on 2 cars without the dash coming out, I think I would know. You have to pull out the message center display to get at 2 of the small bolts for the motor, the other 2 can be accessed through the glove box opening. The motor itself is to the lower right behind the message display. And you don't have to have the dash pulled back as far as you said either.

Well since I did it on 2 cars without the dash coming out, I think I would know. You have to pull out the message center display to get at 2 of the small bolts for the motor, the other 2 can be accessed through the glove box opening. The motor itself is to the lower right behind the message display. And you don't have to have the dash pulled back as far as you said either.


You are probably referring to a Gen 2 Mark. Because the Gen 1 Mark, I've tried every way known without taking the dash apart. The blend door for my 93 has only three screws.

You are probably referring to a Gen 2 Mark. Because the Gen 1 Mark, I've tried every way known without taking the dash apart. The blend door for my 93 has only three screws.

No, I did it on the 96 and on the 94. With the message center out you can pull the dash back enough through the glovebox to get to 2 of the bolts, the other ones you can get to through the glove box while looking through the message display hole. Only thing I can think of is you are talking about the blend door itself and not the actuator motor, in which case we have a misunderstanding.

Scott is correct,


It's not the blend dorr that is the problem, it's the actuating system in both generations that is the problem.


The gears strip out in the Gen1's, and the arm breaks in the gen2's, you don't have to replace the door to fix it, just the unit.


Mike

I saw those seats. I am going to pass on those, I am looking for the ones with the Lincoln logo.
GMAN, here is a picture of the interior of my 94, and has the lincoln emblem on the front and back seats. I bet you wish you had these huh? :D

GMAN, here is a picture of the interior of my 94, and has the lincoln emblem on the front and back seats. I bet you wish you had these huh? :D
I got them off Ebay this week. They will be here tomorrow. That is the last piece to my puzzle. I will have her all put together on Saturday. We will probably be the only two with silver Marks and black interior. I ham looking at different shades of silver now.;)

The service manager at the lincoln dealer here in Wichita told me that it had to be ordered that way. there are not to many that way and mine is the only one he has seen around here. :cool:

Got my seats in today, and I started to put the dash back together, but I ran out of light. I will finish up tomorrow. I will also post pics. It looks like me and JC1994 will be the only known Marks that are silver with black interior.

Got my seats in today, and I started to put the dash back together, but I ran out of light. I will finish up tomorrow. I will also post pics. It looks like me and JC1994 will be the only known Marks that are silver with black interior.
That's cool GMAN... cant wait to see it...:cool: :cool:

UPDATE

Well I got the new dash in, and I started to plug up all of the wires. I have to admit, I am happy with the results so far. The pieces I couldn't get, I painted them with vinyl paint, and the results were to my liking. I took out the grey door handles and put in chrome ones. I also put in chrome buttons for the trunk release and the gas door release. I was unable to find door panels, so I painted them. I also painted the information center console, the door switches, the window switches the ash trays, the weather striping, and the little pieces that go behind the seats. All that I am lacking now is the steering wheel. Tomorrow I am going to take of the plastic piece on the steering colum and paint that. I am now contemplating weather or not I should paint the steering wheel or just wait for a black one to show up on ebay.

Wow. this came out so sweet. A really sweet idea. What color was the old interior? Im looking for new seats for my Mark.

Keep it comming, if I were you I would wait for the steering wheel to show up, because with that paint, you never know how easy that will come off, especially on something so useable as the steering wheel. The ashtrays are okay, I know that even in my car, no one is allowed to smoke in the Lincoln.

-Rick

GOOOO HOTTIE!!!! LOOKS FANTASTIC!!!! You will love the black so much more than the grey "Im selling my Mark" will no longer be words you utter!

GOOD JOB HOTTIE!!!!

SMOOCHES!
MsM8

Hey man 2 questions:

1. Are those 6.5 inch comps in your doors? If so did u have to change anything to fit em?

2. How much did it cost you to do the conversion? I would really like a black interior to match my exterior ;)

Yes, they were definetly available silver/black, but dealers hate trying to sell cars with black interiors - they just don't show well.

Unfortunately for we owners of older cars, the truth is black is the only color that is easily maintained.

That's a wonderful interior and I sure wish you luck with your functional dash items - you might even think about replacing your speedo/tach background with some white ones if you like that sort of thing - easy from where you're at now.

Hey man 2 questions:

1. Are those 6.5 inch comps in your doors? If so did u have to change anything to fit em?

2. How much did it cost you to do the conversion? I would really like a black interior to match my exterior ;)
Yes, I am running Infinity Reference 6 1/2 component speakers all the way around. I had it done by a real good installer here. The Ford JBL's were just not cutting it. So I ripped all that junk out. What I have 2 Infinity Reference 7521A 2-Way Amps. One amp runs a 10" Subwoofer, and the other amp runs all of the 6 1/2 components. The 6.5 woofer don't exactly fit inside the factory speaker spot. A speaker mount was fabricated. The same was done for the tweeters. The crossovers just rest behind the door panel.
All of my component speakers were bought on Ebay. I bought the subwoofer and the Amps locally. All in all, including labor, I spent around $600 for the whole thing.

Yes, they were definetly available silver/black, but dealers hate trying to sell cars with black interiors - they just don't show well.

Unfortunately for we owners of older cars, the truth is black is the only color that is easily maintained.

That's a wonderful interior and I sure wish you luck with your functional dash items - you might even think about replacing your speedo/tach background with some white ones if you like that sort of thing - easy from where you're at now.
I thought about white face gauges, but they are not for me.

I need some help


Back when I first started this project it was really overwhelming.That was when I was really getting frustrated with taking the dash apart. It got to the point I was getting ready to drive to the mechanic and pay to have it reconnected and the whole dash put back together. As I was about to do this, I put the car in reverse and it died. I tried to crank it and all it did was just turn over, that's it. Well that put a damper on things. So I cooled down and and the following weekend I finished up the car. Now I am just about done. I got everything put back into the car. The new dash fits wonderfully. I ensured that the yellow vaccum hose was connected before I bolted the dash in. Now that I am 95% finished, I am still having the same problem. It will not start. Also I've noticed that the air system didn't engage and air the car up. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Did I forget to connect something? This is my worst nightmare. Taking on a big job like this, then something like this happens. If anyone have some ideas I would really appreciate it. Right now I am at a loss.

I need some help


Back when I first started this project it was really overwhelming.That was when I was really getting frustrated with taking the dash apart. It got to the point I was getting ready to drive to the mechanic and pay to have it reconnected and the whole dash put back together. As I was about to do this, I put the car in reverse and it died. I tried to crank it and all it did was just turn over, that's it. Well that put a damper on things. So I cooled down and and the following weekend I finished up the car. Now I am just about done. I got everything put back into the car. The new dash fits wonderfully. I ensured that the yellow vaccum hose was connected before I bolted the dash in. Now that I am 95% finished, I am still having the same problem. It will not start. Also I've noticed that the air system didn't engage and air the car up. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Did I forget to connect something? This is my worst nightmare. Taking on a big job like this, then something like this happens. If anyone have some ideas I would really appreciate it. Right now I am at a loss.

i dont realy know everything thats goin on...and im still in vicadin land...but my best guess would be you forgot to hook up an airbag properly, and the car thinks its deployed so it wont let you start or somethin like that.

Hey Hottie, it's sunday night and lots of Hotties are chillin in front the tube, so don't stress, I'm Ray or Geno or Gray or ....I could go on and on....know the answer, so I am sure there is a solution (hey we own Marks, don't bet on "easy" too!, just thank God for the solution!) and will get back with you jiffyquick!

But congrats on all the work you have done - awesome HOTTIE!!!

MsM8

GMAN, like Debi said don't stress, one of the others will have you an answer when they see this. Just think of how good it will feel when you get the project completed.

I suggest that you send a PM to Mike, if anyone can help and is qualified to answer a question it's him.

Just got off the phone with Greg.....


We should have him taken care of now.

Just got off the phone with Greg.....
We should have him taken care of now.

LVC HOTTIES ROCK!!!
I love this site!!!!. :yourock:
SMOOCHES
MsM8

Just got off the phone with Greg.....


We should have him taken care of now.
I can't wait to own a Mark VIII, i know if i have any questions you are one of the first people i will ask for answers. :cool:

Since starting this project, I've learned so much. I've replaced the whole dash, a job that I wouldn't do again. But if I have to, then may be. I've become so frustrated along the way, that the only thing that shut me down was a blown 50amp Maxifuse for the ignition. That is why it wouldn't start.:Bang. Now I will perform some minor work, I noticed the recall on the light switch which was never done. After the minor touch ups, I will post the finished product.

Look foward to seeing pics of the finished project. :cool:

Need Nire Help

Ok, I think I am just about at the home stretch, but a few electrical problems are giving me fits. First, the power windows do not work. I have no idea why that is. Second, the turn signals are not working either. This is probably why the computer is telling me to check the exterior lights. Has anyone experienced any of these problems and see a way I can fix them? Also on a different note, isn't all of the tail lights suppose to light up when you depress the brake? Or is it supposed to be just the corners?

Need Nire Help

Ok, I think I am just about at the home stretch, but a few electrical problems are giving me fits. First, the power windows do not work. I have no idea why that is. Second, the turn signals are not working either. This is probably why the computer is telling me to check the exterior lights. Has anyone experienced any of these problems and see a way I can fix them? Also on a different note, isn't all of the tail lights suppose to light up when you depress the brake? Or is it supposed to be just the corners?
just the corners on the brake lights and the Dole light, {third brake light}.

Complete

Well, after three weeks, only working on the weekend, I have finally finished this project of changing the color of my interior. I am but an amateur. With the help of people on this forum answering questions from time to time I was able to see a light at the end of the tunnel. It is a good thing I had an extra vehicle to drive while I did this. I only did most of my work on the weekend. I am happy with the way things turned out. The seats could be a little better, but that's ok. A friend of mine told me about a way to get the stretch marks out of them.

I like the wood grain on the doors GMAN, wish mine was like that,mine are gray. my console is all wood grain like your's. looks great and goes alot better with the silver exterior. :Beer :Beer :yourock: :headbang: :headbang:

Looks good mang!

Awesome work GMAN congrats. :cool:

GMAN!!!!!!

I'll be down next week to get my wood on the doors and I LOVE THE DOOR SILVER HANDLE AND BUTTONS!!!!!!!!!!!!


WOW!!!!!:yourock: :wave

SMOOCHES
MsM8

What's the secret for strech marks on the seats

What's the secret for strech marks on the seats

dont sit on em.

looks real good, but imo i dont like how the wood doesnt match up. but, big props for getin it changed out.

I know that one. That's why only my drivers seat is bad.

Gman, I notice you had a chime that did'nt sound like the normal door chime, What did it end up being, and what am I missing? EVERYTHING else works, but I'm still getting that damned chime.

Gman, I notice you had a chime that did'nt sound like the normal door chime, What did it end up being, and what am I missing? EVERYTHING else works, but I'm still getting that damned chime.

Mike there is this black plug that has three female ends. Each opposite each other. That goes into a relay which is screwed on the metal to the left of the glove box. That relay controls the hazards and the blinkers. Once I plugged that up, I was golden.

Looks awesome Gman! Looks like you got the steering wheel done as well. How much of pain did that end up being? Did those directions I sent you help any?

You up for some racing tonight?? :D I'd like to see the car again!

-Tiffany

Looks awesome Gman! Looks like you got the steering wheel done as well. How much of pain did that end up being? Did those directions I sent you help any?

You up for some racing tonight?? :D I'd like to see the car again!

-Tiffany
Hey Tiffany, I actually had someone else do the steering wheel for me. I have some plans for tonight, so no racing. I thought Sealy was closed. Where are you guys racing now?

What's the secret for strech marks on the seats

www.MagicMender.com (http://www.MagicMender.com)
I've deleted the pics, but remember the bad creases I had in the tan seat of the white Mark, I used Magic Mender, it went into the creases and turned itself into part of the leather, the only problem I had was matching the stupid camel or sandlewood or whatever shade of tan, with black you should have not trouble!!!

It was not cheap though, 58.68 for the complete kit (price includes SnH).

I would use it agian if I need to. Good Luck Hotties!

MsM8

why didnt anyone just spay can their intereor with vinal and fabric paint. i did all the panals in my stang and they came out great. as long as you prep and clean them really good. you could even do the dash in the car. all that you would have to buy is carpet and seats and a steering wheel

why didnt anyone just spay can their intereor with vinal and fabric paint. i did all the panals in my stang and they came out great. as long as you prep and clean them really good. you could even do the dash in the car. all that you would have to buy is carpet and seats and a steering wheel

Doesnt the paint eventually peel?


As far as the seats..... An upholstery guy suggested replacing the panels that commonly wear with a vinyl product that looks like leather. Its just 2 or 3 panels on the drivers seat, but the vinyl will never crack. You could also just replace those panels with more leather.

why didnt anyone just spay can their intereor with vinal and fabric paint. i did all the panals in my stang and they came out great. as long as you prep and clean them really good. you could even do the dash in the car. all that you would have to buy is carpet and seats and a steering wheel

WELCOME talincolnlsc! Got Pics? I've been thinkin about re-doing the interior of my daily driver... but wondering if the quality of just spraying it on..like I would my hairsray, vs taking it out and doing a professional salon setting and ending up looking LVC HOT as hell......

forgive my sarcasim.....couldn't resist, but on a serious note, if you have pics post em, I wasn't kidding....smooches babe....

Ms8

Hey man 2 questions:

Are those 6.5 inch comps in your doors? If so did u have to change anything to fit em?




I have the Diamond Audio CM361 Component System in my 1998 Mark VIII -(both front and back) It's a 6.5 in speaker. (Pics (http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/vbpicgallery.php?do=view&g=375))

It was a bit of a pita for all the speakers. Even the tweeters. For the tweeters you have to make a bracket to hold them, and for the 6.5s you have to basically 'make them fit' by drilling and cutting the existing holes.

But it can be done. Just takes patience and creativity.

I....But it can be done. Just takes patience and creativity.

ummmm, lucky for us..., you have both... ohhh BigDaddy, I must admit..I am green with envy :D butt, totally stoked for you ....and can't wait to get a ride!!!!

Smooch!

MsM8

ummmm, lucky for us..., you have both... ohhh BigDaddy, I must admit..I am green with envy :D butt, totally stoked for you ....and can't wait to get a ride!!!!

Smooch!

MsM8


Actually....... Jibit has more of it then I do. He did most of the install, for which I am quite grateful.

I have the Diamond Audio CM361 Component System in my 1998 Mark VIII -(both front and back) It's a 6.5 in speaker. (Pics (http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/vbpicgallery.php?do=view&g=375))

It was a bit of a pita for all the speakers. Even the tweeters. For the tweeters you have to make a bracket to hold them, and for the 6.5s you have to basically 'make them fit' by drilling and cutting the existing holes.

But it can be done. Just takes patience and creativity.

Joey, I have Infinity 6.5 components. I didn't do any of the installation work myself, but the guy who did mine made a bracket that he mounted around the outside of the door panel. He did an excellent job.

Lol that's alot of work man but, props for sure!

Would anybody happen to have a light grey "message center button trey"?... if that's what you call it... the thing that the buttons sit in. The big piece of dash that comes out above the stereo, and below the message center screen. Sits flat ya know. yep I need one of those.....

If you do, please PM me!

I have one but it has a hairline crack in the front edge of it, I'm picky so... only if it's pretty much perfect k..

button condition doesn't matter, they pop out and I can use mine. I just need the plastic vinyl carcass.. thanks.

and, again, props. that's one hell of a task man. lol. Looks great though!

Chris

Now that all of the hard work is done. Now is the time to put in some fun. Here is what I am going to add next weekend.

http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/enlarged/pio/EC.PIO.AVICD1.JPG
http://www.jjielectronics.com/ProductImages/pioneercar/satellite/Thumb_sir-pnr1-2.jpg
http://www.jjielectronics.com/ProductImages/pioneercar/satellite/CD-IB100.jpg

I dont suggest the sirrus. I suggest the XM. The XM has all the navigation options.

I dont suggest the sirrus. I suggest the XM. The XM has all the navigation options.

Actually Joey I have too much invested in Sirius. All of my vehicles already have it. I may get the XM Nav Traffic. Is that good?

I dont suggest the sirrus. I suggest the XM. The XM has all the navigation options.

Actually Joey I have too much invested in Sirius. All of my vehicles already have it. I may get the XM Nav Traffic. Is that good?

The Ipod adapter is JUNK!!!!!!!!


Don't waste the money on it.

Hey Tiffany, I actually had someone else do the steering wheel for me. I have some plans for tonight, so no racing. I thought Sealy was closed. Where are you guys racing now?

Sealy opened back up with a new owner... www.lonestarmotorsportspark.com.

So, we're still racing in Sealy! :D

I have that saddle tan colored interior also, what color did you use? Did it work very good?

www.MagicMender.com (http://www.MagicMender.com)
I've deleted the pics, but remember the bad creases I had in the tan seat of the white Mark, I used Magic Mender, it went into the creases and turned itself into part of the leather, the only problem I had was matching the stupid camel or sandlewood or whatever shade of tan, with black you should have not trouble!!!

It was not cheap though, 58.68 for the complete kit (price includes SnH).

I would use it agian if I need to. Good Luck Hotties!

MsM8

I would pay that did it work well? My seats are tan also what color did you order?

The Ipod adapter is JUNK!!!!!!!!


Don't waste the money on it.
Mike, tell me what is it that you don't like about the Ipod adapter?

I would pay that did it work well? My seats are tan also what color did you order?

try this url to find your color:
http://www.markviii.org/LOD2/markviii_facts.htm (http://www.markviii.org/LOD2/markviii_facts.htm)

good luck Hun!

Smooches!

MsM8