1949 service manual

Sat., May 27, 2006

Greg Zyla King Features Syndicate

Q: Greg, I would like to obtain a service manual for a 1949 Chrysler Windsor. Can you help me? — Vic, via e-mail

A: Glad to, Vic. Bishko Books specializes in discontinued, obsolete and hard-to-find factory-printed manuals, books and other literature specific to your car or truck. These “reproduced with permission” books give details needed to effectively repair or restore your antique, collector or classic car, muscle car, pickup truck or daily driver. Chances are you can find what you need in its extensive inventory.

You mention “service manual,” but note that Bishko Books offers “owners manuals” too, in case you need one for the glove box. Call Bishko Books toll free at 1-800-544-3312, or go to www.autobooksbishko.com.

***

Q: I have a 1977 Lincoln two-door Town Coupe. I cannot find out how many were made or what it is worth. Can you help me? - Stan H., South Boston, Va.

A: Stan, your ‘77 Town Coupe is one of 27,440 two-doors built that year. The four-door Town Car was more popular with consumers, with 68,160 units produced, but your two-door is a bit more valuable. The retail base price for these vehicles came in at $9,474 for the coupe and $9,636 for the sedan. In today’s market, a fully restored two-door, or good original, might bring $7,500 to $11,500, while the four-door would fetch $6,500 to $9,750.

Don’t let anyone talk you into investing lots of money restoring it. If your Town Coupe is average, you might sell it for a quick $2,000, perhaps more if you find a “Lincoln lover.” I’m sure the car is a great driver and lots of fun, but it won’t be a big hit with serious car collectors.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.