1939 Lincoln Zephyr - Ray Dunham

For Ray Dunham, Starting with a 1939 3 window Lincoln Zephyr project far from being complete, he had a goal to create a custom fastback version that appeared as if it came from the Lincoln factory back in 1939. Body lines had to flow from every angle, & most importantly body modifications had to appear as if they were original. When Ray bought the Zephyr it already had a fastback roof in place; which needed some help.

Mr. Ray took the project to Steve Wilk of Wilkworx in Nuevo, CA to help with the build. To start off the build, Mr. Ray envisioned to reshape the roof lines to flow smoothly with the fastback roof. To begin with these modifications the roof of the car from the front windshield to the belt line had to be removed for modifications. With many body modifications made some included enlarging & reshaping quarter windows, custom fabricated running boards, doors & rear fenders were stretched to help it flow better, and windshield to be split. As for most of the front end; the plan was to leave it all stock. Side Hood badges were restored and glass color changed to Amber Brown. 1947 Cadillac Taillights; custom Amber lenses made by Kris Olsson of Steering Wheel Kris.

When it came time to choosing a color Mr. Ray wanted a color different than any other custom while still appearing original. He took the Zephyr to Hillview Customs in Lake Elsinore, CA to have bodywork and paint done. He chose to use a custom-mixed Caramel, Butterscotch, Chocolate Brown, & Olive Green single-stage Nason brand paint.

As for wheels, Mr. Ray chose to run 15" steel wheels with 1947 Cadillac Sombrero hubcaps with 1936 Lincoln K-541 Amber Brown medallions wrapped in 650 x 15" Goodyear Super Cushion 4.5" whitewall tires.

Within the Zephyr, drivetrain included a GM small block 350 v8 engine; Black & Custom Caramel Butterscotch paint color backed by a 700R transmission and a Ford 9" rear end. For suspension, Accuair air ride suspension was used all around with 4-link in the rear. To help stop & control this beautiful custom, an upgrade to disc brakes with power steering was needed. It was important to dress up what was visible to better suit the style Mr. Ray was looking to achieve. As for dressing up the engine bay, he used Lincoln Y block valve covers, modernized both early oil bath air cleaner, and vintage oil filter canister with modern internal filters. To add on to the desired look, polished copper & stainless hard lines were needed with a perfect balance of chrome & paint.

To finish off the build, it came time for upholstery by Westminster Auto Upholstery of Anaheim, CA. A combination of late 40's German wool with high quality leather, German square weave carpet & some unique fabrics chosen to achieve an elegant yet subtle feel. To top it off with a NOS 1947 Lincoln Steering wheel.