Where is the original equipment stock AM/FM radio antenna on a '98 Linc. Mark VIII?

on the 98 it is fixed in the rear glass

Thanks, so it is with the rear window electric defroster?

I really meant the antenna is another wire in the rear window, not the same wire as the electric defroster.

It is easy to mistake for part of the Defroster grid.

Thanks, Tracy. I'll look VERY carefully. Do you have a '98 Mark VIII? I am considering buying a LSC Collectors Edition, maroon with tan interior, with 63,000 miles one owner always garaged. Asking $9,000 and I am trying to get it for $8,000. Exterior detailed but needs full interior detailing - carpets shampooed and leather front seats reconditioned. Anyway I could not find the antenna. I'll also want to change the factory cassette for CD with GPS which all fits in the same place as the original audio. Trunk CD changer does not work, so I would take it out and get more space there.

You're welcome! I've been a Ford Technician since 1987 and have been a big fan of the Mark VIII: aka. "Corporate Rocketship." It sounds as though you may have found and excellent car - the LSC was supposed to have a higher performance tuning and fancier packaging. When you replace the audio system, keep in mind that you will have to rewire the entire system. Your Lincoln has a Sub- woofer/amplifier combo that will not work with other audio systems (as far as I know). I suggest visiting a high-end car audio shop - after all - what's an awesome car without an awesome sound system? Enjoy!

I did talk to Car Toys, our Seattle car high end audio specialist. They told me the factory CD changer in the trunk would not work (it doesn't anyway) with a new GPS/CD unit but they did think the factory amp would work. They did not actually see the car however, so what you say may well be the case. They also want to sell me all new speakers even though the factory system is JBL where have a great reputation. The Mark VIII Collectors Edition didn't come with back seat floor mats and this owner never got rear mats, so the back carpets are soiled. Needs a professional shampooing throughout. BTW I had a '79 Linc town coupe, white with red trim and carpets and white leather seats, kept it about 25 years and sold it with 80,000 miles. The Mark VIII is smaller but was ahead of the Town Coupe in features. Not to mention 20 years newer.

Given what you say about the factory audio system and wiring, back to my original question on the antenna. Will the in rear glass factory antenna work with a new AM/FM receiver?

I was surprised to see there was a factory trip computer back in '98 with 2 trip odometers in the small screen in the upper center dash. That is a nice touch I am used to on my newer cars. The after market GPS will not have a trip computer as that has to be connected directly to some electronics internal to the car. Have I bothered you enough for the day, Tracy? (:>)

I had a GPS/Audio system installed in my 97 Mark VIII and the radio works fine...I did not have the additional subwoofer installed and my sound is just fine, as I have the JBL factory. I have a '95 Mark VIII with 335,000 miles on it, still with original drive train and air suspension...of course the leather looks like two 120 lb dogs have been calling it home for the past 10 years, which they have.

So in your '97 Mark VIII, all you changed was the dash cassette unit for GPS/CD combo and you were able to use both the factory amp and factory JBL speakers? I don't quite understand what you are saying about the sbuwoofer. Is there a factory subwoofer that you could not use but just left in place wherever that is?

On your '97 GPS, where did they put the GPS antenna - what the new cars call the "shark fin" in the back center of the roof? I have seen some '98s with what appears to be an after market short black antenna slightly tilted back which appears to be drilled through the rear windshield. What is that for - phone, GPS, or what?

Yes, they just removed the factory radio/tape and dropped in the Kenwood 1980HD a couple of years ago...along with the front and rear cameras. It simply attached to my existing speakers. The Sub Woofer I was speaking of is a boom-box type that mounts in the trunk that young rap music guys like. The trunk cd changer has always been a problem, so now the cd is behind the screen, and has mp3 connection as well as a USB connector. The receiver is mounted in the upper corner of the front windshield, but the installer can place where you want...just remember, the more wires they need to run, the more the installation is...My unit, with installation, cost about $2300.

The short antenna thru the rear glass is for the factory installed phone, which I don't use anymore as it is analog and not digital. The GPS receiver is a small, black square. I would have preferred it mounted just about the rear window, but didn't tell them in time..

I didn't think about front and rear cameras. Where are they positioned? I did think about voice recognition GPS and am looking at Kenwood and Sony units. Was quoted about $1,700 with all new speakers, mp3 connection for an i-pod input, no cameras, and no subwoofer. The '98 I am looking at does not have the short antenna thru the rear glass and given what you say, glad it doesn't.

Hey with 335,000 miles on your '95, how many times did you drive that across the country, Tracy? Lots of miles for 18 years.

The cameras are mounted just above the license plates front and rear. I use the voice commands with the Kenwood all the time...it is really helpful with the bluetooth phone. Can be set up to auto connect to your cell when you start the car. When the phone rings it mutes the audio speakers and the phone comes thru the car speakers.

If the subwoofer is a box in the trunk, I can do without it as that takes up space. I am NOT a rap/rock kid at 69! (:>) What I hope is they can use the factory amp to keep the cost down, but again won't know till I actually get the car and then take it to the specialist.

The new wiring and units for front and rear camers pushed up your cost, but a nice feature. I would be satisfied with parking sensors which are sort of buttons across both front and rear bumpers in another car I have.

I can't count the number of times...but mainly between our places in Santa Fe, NM and Palm Springs, CA...often each weekend...12 hours each way..

With the 120 pound dogs? Car must need deodorizing! HA HA. I would love to see Santa Fe, NM but never have. CA, NV, and AZ many times. I live in Seattle.

I did tons of research on the various units and settled on the Kenwood top of the line...has all the bells and whistles...but be sure and use a reputable installer, one who knows the gps unit well along with your car. The installation can be expensive.

Yes, the parking sensors are nice as well, but they too must be installed on the 98 Mark, as they were not available with those cars. If you do have them done, it is best to have the Lincoln dealer install them to ensure they are at the correct height and angle.

I do want the 3D view on the GPS. Not just perspective - over the horizon - but showing the heights of buildings. I was in a newer BMW which has that and really nice. Hey what is your own e-mail address so we don't have to go through cargurus? Mine is jporrico@outlook.com if you care to use it in the future.

I didn't think Lincoln dealers would install electronics such as parking sensors. Don't they just send all that work out to specialists? Also the parking sensors in the bumpers have to be painted bumper/car color, right?

They will install them if you buy them from them...and they do need to be painted the body color to look best...otherwise they are black. I had them installed on the '95...as we are 65 and 74 need all the help we can get to keep from running into things...lol

Sorry, I've been outside working on my car! :)~ As to the longevity of the motor: I've been around this engine since it's inception and even had a chance to meet the man that designed the intake manifold. My experience has been that the 4.6L Modular Engine (whether DOHC or not) will either blow up and seize solid before it gets off of the transport truck or run virtually forever. Of course there are those exceptions but they are rare. Maintenance is key along with the proper fluids, flushes and filters. I currently work on a fleet of 800 Crown Victoria Police Interceptors equipped with the SOHC 4.6L and well as some High end SUV's with the 4.6L & 5.4L 3-valve engines. All police (Sheriff) vehicles. Over the past 2 years, I have seen 2 engines fail (2 out of 800+ vehicles varying from 1997 to 2012) - and that's rough service. 350K miles does not surprise me at all.

Was out for a few hours, Tracy. What is damaged on the '98 I am looking at is the small oval trim piece around the ignition key hole. Probably from trying to put the key in without looking so it is torn up and looks bad. I found the part on Vintage Parts web site for $8 + shipping. They only have ivory, not the car's tan, but first, the ivory may tie in close enough and second, if it doesn't, I can probably get tan spray paint that is almost the same shade. Then how to change it out? If I get the audio changed, I probably ask those guys to do it as they are familiar with dash boards. Anyway if I get this car, I am prepared for what I want to change. On my '79 Linc Town Coupe, I put a frame - not bumper - trailer hitch to pull my then 18' boat. Never even knew I was pulling a trailer with a boat on it with that big motor. It only had a 2 barrel carb however, so no quick down shift for power burst even with a big 8 cylinder. I suspect the '98 is fuel injected so will have more power, or more exactly more pick up.

You are 74? Got to be kidding. And don't you keep a vehicle at both your Santa Fe and Palm Springs homes? My plan for the '98 Mark VIII is to drive and then keep it at my Henderson, NV (10 miles from the Vegas strip) home. I'll ask the local Linc dealer about the bumper parking sensors installation and paint so they match the maroon exterior. Where would the signal show up? On new cars with factory GPS and parking sensors, the image appears on the GPS screen. But I doubt that will be the case with the after market GPS such as your Kenwood. The camera image front and back show on that screen because it is part of the Kenwood GPS, right?

Well over 300 HP! Buy the Stereo guys a couple of beers for after work and I'm sure they'll be glad to drop that in for you. A couple of screws and a couple of minutes. I've never seen someone tow with a MK VIII. There is no frame to speak of and it does have air bags with a leveling and lowering system instead of conventional springs.

I sold the trailerable boat about 6 years ago and I only kept the '79 Linc Town Coupe to pull it. It did not have air bags and a big steel frame which was where they attached the tow frame. I have no need nor intention to tow with the Mark VIII. The trailer with boat on it lowered the rear of the Town Coupe a little. I never got air shocks to inflate and raise it back to level. Boy we have come a long way from my first question about where is the radio antenna, right?

Is this accurate? Trim Base Coupe LSC Coupe •4,601 cc 4.6 liters V 8 front longitudinal engine with 90.2 mm bore, 90 mm stroke, 9.9 compression ratio, light alloy block, light alloy head, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder •Premium unleaded fuel •Fuel consumption: EPA urban (mpg): 17 and country/highway (mpg): 26 •Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 26 and EPA city (mpg): 17 •Multi-point injection fuel system •18 gallon fuel tank •Power: 216 kW , 290 HP @ 5,750 rpm; 290 ft lb , 393 Nm @ 4,500 rpm Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/1998/lincoln/mark_viii/specifications/#ixzz2eInsK4ox

That all sounds right...however, we have been able to get up to 32mpg hwy with both of my Mark VIIIs...need a good mechanic to tune it up. As for the parking sensors, it normally beeps, and the spacing between the beeps gets shorter the closer to something you get...until it becomes a solid tone, meaning you are within a short distance. Some have colored indicators that you can mount if you wish.

This is to whomever of you responded about the GPS after market - Tracy Hooks I believe. Spent over an hour with our local Seattle car audio specialist yesterday and settled on a Pioneer unit. $1,100 with installation. Has voice recognition, 3D display, CD slot is behind the screen which tilts out and down for disc access, have to set the parking brake to enter data/destinations, and I added i-pod cable input and rear only camera. That will be a single black (can't be painted body color because it is a lense) dot about penny sized in the center of the rear bumper. On sale for $1 + installation. Could add more bells and whistles such as front bumper camera and/or parking sensors and a license plate frame mounted rear camera but cost goes up and up. I wanted to remove the factory CD changer but they will charge $150 to do that which seems exorbidant. Even they recommended leaving it it place in the trunk. Now my decision is whether or not to replace all the factory JBL speakers. Won't do it on this job and want to hear them with the new CD unit before committing to that. I think you said the JBLs are fine.

One of my responders pointed out a '98 is 15 years old but that the Mark VIII was ahead of its time. Actually as the '14s are all out and available for sale, it is 16 years old. The original and only owner bought it in August, 1998 so for them it is 15 years old. But book values would say 16 I think.

Back to the original question. The OEM antenna is above the defroster grid built into the rear window. It is the upper three lines on the window.

I have a 1998 Lincoln Mark 8 . 4.6L LSC. love this car. 166,00miles on it. All original...I'm the 2nd owner ... .. I want to up grade my system. .. what would be the best way to go?

My '98 LSC Collector's Edition has 69,000 original miles. Like you I am the 2nd owner. I took out the cassette player and put in a Pioneer Nav and CD player which fit exactly. Used the original JBL speakers and amp. My console looks exactly as yours - same shift knob.

Where are the amps at? I think they are not hooked up? I see some Eva Jack's in the trunk that are not plugged ??

The original factory amp is in the trunk under the shelf between the back of the back seat and the rear window. Those could be the jacks you are seeing. I noticed you had the original cassette deck in the dash console just as mine did. If there was also a CD changer, that was also in the trunk far left back. It also had a cable harness with plug for power and audio and was held in place with 3 brackets which are easily removed to take it all out. There will be some openings in the factory trunk liner when you remove the CD changer. I preferred the openings (which I sort of filled in with carpet scraps) to the changer which did not work. Also once I put in the new radio/CD player/GPS, the changer could not be connected to that so even if it did work, it could not play.

Thanks for all the answers and help Stereo system get installed this weekend...