A rare Lincoln Blackwood means a hunt for rare parts: The Road to AAPEX S2E3

A rare Lincoln Blackwood means a hunt for rare parts: The Road to AAPEX S2E3

To track down parts, Joe reconnects with a few aftermarket professionals who helped him restore a 33-year-old Cadillac Brougham for last year’s Road to AAPEX and scours the digital universe.

Three thousand three hundred and fifty-six. That’s how many Lincoln Blackwoods exist in the world. For comparison, the Ford F-150—the Blackwood’s inspiration—has spawned more than 40 million since its launch in 1948. Guess which one is harder to track down parts for? Babcox Media’s Joe Keene, an ASE-certified technician, has tracked down his fair share of elusive parts, but fixing up a Lincoln Blackwood for a cross-country drive on the Lincoln Highway to AAPEX 2023 is on another level.

While the Blackwood shares many components with its sibling, the Lincoln Navigator, it’s those one-of-a-kind parts that make restoration a test of wills. Need a part for the signature tonneau cover? Good luck. Hoping to replace that distinct front fascia? Better have a network of salvage yards on speed dial. Luckily, Joe has the power of the automotive aftermarket behind him.

To track down parts, Joe reconnects with a few aftermarket professionals who helped him restore a 33-year-old Cadillac Brougham for last year’s Road to AAPEX and scours the digital universe.

Watch the video above to follow Joe on his quest for the parts that will propel his 2,200-mile journey from Akron, Ohio, to Las Vegas for AAPEX 2023.

This episode of Road to AAPEX is presented by Transtar Autobody Technologies Inc.

You May Also Like

MatraX Tyres on navigating the diverse needs of the U.S. marketplace

We talk about how MatraX Tyres is adapting its products for U.S. customers and the challenges associated with U.S. distribution.

WT-YT-matraXtire-1400

Launching a brand in a new market is never easy... even if that brand has nearly 60 years of established history behind it. This is the case with MatraX Tyres, which has roots stemming back to 1965 in Portugal. Now, the company is expanding into the U.S. with passenger car tires, with plans to add more tire lines soon.

How to maximize your scan tools’ full potential

Get the most out of your tools so they aren’t just expensive code readers.

TR-Continental-scan tool
Maverick Tire Changer: Handling large custom wheels

Large, custom 4×4 wheels are all the rage, and Hunter’s Maverick tire changer makes handling them a breeze.

hunter-sidewall-Maverick
Introduction to the Maverick Tire Changer

Joe Keene of Babcox Media speaks with Hunter Engineering service rep Rick Marzen about Hunter’s premium center-clamp Maverick tire changer.

hunter-upfit-Maverick
Properly diagnosing wheel speed sensors

Wheel speed sensors don’t just read wheel speed – they detect subtle movements to enable all sorts of convenience and safety features.

TR-Continental-speed-sensor

Other Posts

Bridgestone Golf CEO Dan Murphy shares what links tires to teeing up Tiger Woods – PART II

In Part II of this interview, Dan talks about how tire tread patterns have influenced golf ball design, and vice versa.

dan-murphy-1400part2
AMN Drivetime with Schaeffler’s Jerry Conroy

Jerry Conroy shares insights into his career trajectory, the evolving landscape of the company’s aftermarket operations, and its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Drivetime_ Conroy
Bridgestone Golf CEO Dan Murphy shares what links tires to teeing up Tiger Woods – PART I

In Part I of this interview, Dan discusses successfully bridging the worlds of tires and golf balls into one premium branding experience.

dan-murphy-1400
Does your shop need a marketing firm?

Hiring a marketing firm won’t automatically bring in more business – it can lose you money if you don’t take proper steps.

TR-Continental-marketing