My 68 Cougar Pro-Touring / Resto-Mod Project

[langleylad]

I shall try when I get home , thanks

[langleylad]

Lately I've been working on hanging the front bumper and fitting the assorted pieces together. I love the feeling of digging parts out of hiding and cleaning and prepping them for final install.
Also with some help from our friend Andrew , I've been working on programming the Dominator ECU. Andrew suggested that I download the latest Holley software (V2 to V4) . As I'm no computer ace the simplest task can be a major chore for myself. I'm much better with a wrench than a keyboard. What would take someone that knows what they're doing in minutes takes me hours lol. Anyhow I believe I got it figured out. I'll be busy for the next 4 days or so , attending a family wedding so things will have to wait. A break from things is always good.

[andrewb70]

Version 4 is not the latest, but for what you're doing, I saw no reason to go to version 5. I still run v4.

Andrew

[langleylad]

Version 4 is not the latest, but for what you're doing, I saw no reason to go to version 5. I still run v4.

Andrew

Believe me , I noticed that there was a Version 5 in my dozen or so trips to the Holley site in the last few days !.

[andrewb70]

Believe me , I noticed that there was a Version 5 in my dozen or so trips to the Holley site in the last few days !.

There is nothing in v5 that you need. I only like to upgrade only when there is a legitimate reason, like taking you from v2 to v4. A lot for be had with that upgrade.

[langleylad]

I managed to update and program the ECU after plenty of swearing and tugging on my hair , I'm not totally on point when it comes to computers and such. I'm sure it's a lot easier than I make it out to be. Anyway she runs great. I had to pull the front fenders off to make adjusting the doors easier. The door glass frames were making contact with the rear glass frames. Simple adjustment, they fit great now. Also , I assembled the front end and looking at my options as far as grille design. CAD time. The lower turn signals are no longer turn signals plus they are LEDs. I have LEDs for the headlights and turn signals as well as halos , which I haven't installed yet.

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[Tsaints1115]

Looking good.

Are you thinking of the grille staying vertical or possibly going horizontal to follow the body lines?

[jaybee]

I'm starting to realize a lot of older cars look great with body colored bumpers.

[langleylad]

Looking good.

Are you thinking of the grille staying vertical or possibly going horizontal to follow the body lines?

Not sure just yet , there is some honeycomb style plastic sheet on Ebay that I like. Lots of options , I was thinking of using part of the original grille but I don't really want to butcher it up when somebody might be able to use it. The grille area is really not that big , each side is approx 8"x11".

[langleylad]

After work today I started play around with an idea for the grille. I brought out the shrinker/stretcher and some 18g steel. I cut out some 11/4" strip , bent a 90 in them and started shrinking . The idea is to build a frame to sit the grille material in. Just messing around but I like what I'm seeing.

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[andrewb70]

I'm digging what you're doing!

[Tsaints1115]

Very cool. You’re a regular Chip Foose

[langleylad]

Very cool. You’re a regular Chip Foose

Hahaha , Thanks !. I think I have a ways to go before I'm at that level .

[langleylad]

Happy 4th of July to all my friends south of the border!

[andrewb70]

Happy 4th of July to all my friends south of the border!

Thank you Sir!

[Bullitt67]

Which LED headlights did you end up going with? I've been looking at the various options and having a tough time deciding.

[langleylad]

Which LED headlights did you end up going with? I've been looking at the various options and having a tough time deciding.

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[langleylad]

Back at the grille today , Sunday is always a good day to grill ! Haha ! . There is more to this than meets the eye , you have to thinks three steps ahead . How will this go together , how will this come apart , how do I mount this , most important is will this stay intact motoring down the highway ?. Oh ya , does it look good ?. I know it will look good or it won't be there. The panel under the headlights is just a flat piece 2"x16" , I'm thinking leave it as is or maybe 3/4" dimple die holes ? , I like options . One more thing , please note the bumper adjustment OLDFLM ! . He PM'd me on his concern of the bumper gaps on the corners. This is one of the reasons that I like being on here is the input that I get from others. I had planned on adjusting the fitment but he was there to remind me to not let it slide , thanks again OLDFLM. Since this project hasn't left the shop since day one and really the only people that have looked at this machine have been family and a couple of neighbors , input from you gearheads is always a good thing. Thanks.

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[frojoe]

Really awesome work going on here, keep at it!!

[langleylad]

Really awesome work going on here, keep at it!!

Thanks my friend , you're to kind.

I've been working on fabricating a grille for this beast . It's coming along nicely. Man o man , there is a lot of work and thought that goes into one of these. No pics till I'm done .

[Tsaints1115]

Maybe a beadroll down the center to add character?

- - - Updated - - -


Thanks my friend , you're to kind.

I've been working on fabricating a grille for this beast . It's coming along nicely. Man o man , there is a lot of work and thought that goes into one of these. No pics till I'm done .

Yea, nothing gives you respect for the automotive designers until one has to do it themselves.

[langleylad]

Halo's are no longer in the plans ! What a PITA ! . One arrived broken and I broke two more. Replacement halo's are $39 a piece plus shipping.

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[OLDFLM]

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I think what you have is plenty! And different! No need for halos!

[andrewb70]

Agreed. Halos will go the way of "fat lip" wheels. Stay classic and timeless. Not to toot my own horn (maybe s little) but my GTO looks as current as any modern a-body build, except the styling decisions were made in 2000 with some minor updates in 2008.

Andrew

[Tsaints1115]

Halos are the underbody "glow" lights of the early 21st century.

[langleylad]

Grille done , kinda reminds me of the grille in the 69 Olds Cutlass Supreme that my dad once owned. Now to get the hood and fender extensions to line up a little better.

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[Tsaints1115]

That turned out awesome.

[andrewb70]

I am totally digging this look.

[langleylad]

Thanks guys , I'm digging it myself .

[langleylad]

Today's project , close out panels between rad support and the grille .

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[andrewb70]

Dude...you're killing it!

[langleylad]

Dude...you're killing it!

Thanks , this thing is a drug !

[langleylad]

Done , on to the next item

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[andrewb70]

Isn't this thing done yet?!?

[Tsaints1115]

Alright, now you're just showing off.

[OLDFLM]

Looks AMAZING!!!!!

Dumb question... why did you split it in the middle?

[langleylad]

Looks AMAZING!!!!!

Dumb question... why did you split it in the middle?
Thanks
So I could get it in and out . It slides under the fenders to hide the top of the lights. I was thinking of making a decorative piece to help hide the centre seam but I didn’t want this project to go on for ever. I like how it is . Move on.

[OLDFLM]

I LOVE it and want to copy the idea to close out the front of my rad support to nose... you can see there's a gap there with only the horns and a Derale trans cooler mounted below what would be covered.

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I was thinking a thin flat piece of flat CF initially but your idea would be easier to get it to slide in under the fenders just like yours!

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Thoughts?

[langleylad]

Really can’t see much in theses photos. You can either add on to the one you already have or make a new one that's just extended in the front. It would be cleaner if you just fabed up a new piece.

[David Sloan]

I have never been a fan of the cougars, but this one is sweet. Very functional and tastefully done!
Thanks for sharing!

[langleylad]

I have never been a fan of the cougars, but this one is sweet. Very functional and tastefully done!
Thanks for sharing!

Thanks David ,

They are a “unique “ automobile. My plan from the start was to knock some of the ugly off of it and replace it with some cool. I know that not everyone agrees with what I think is ugly but that’s fine, to each his own. I like my vehicles to have a nice clean and simple look to them, I like to think that I’m on track.

[David Sloan]

Thanks David ,

They are a “unique “ automobile. My plan from the start was to knock some of the ugly off of it and replace it with some cool. I know that not everyone agrees with what I think is ugly but that’s fine, to each his own. I like my vehicles to have a nice clean and simple look to them, I like to think that I’m on track.

You have done a good job!
I share that same prince-able clean and simple! and you cant go wrong with silver ether!
I have got to get my garage done so i can get back to working on Hot Rods again.

[langleylad]

This should work out nicely , 67/68 Camaro

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[Tsaints1115]

Is that silver area a gap due to the difference in shape in the valance panels?

[langleylad]

Is that silver area a gap due to the difference in shape in the valance panels?

License plate recess

[Tsaints1115]

License plate recess


To be more clear, where the spoiler meets the valance. It appears that the edge has a contour difference. I was wondering if the spoiler is solid and the contour be transferred from the valance to reshape it by sanding or something.

I like it though. I would like something different for my 69.

[langleylad]

To be more clear, where the spoiler meets the valance. It appears that the edge has a contour difference. I was wondering if the spoiler is solid and the contour be transferred from the valance to reshape it by sanding or something.

I like it though. I would like something different for my 69.

To be honest , the spoiler is being held in place by a pair of vice-grips . Since this piece is meant to be on a Camaro , I don't expect it to fit perfect. Plus when the car is sitting on the ground , you're not even going to see the edge of the valance. This spoiler will be attach to the rad support and not the valance. I'll post some pictures when it's installed for good.

[OLDFLM]

Maybe a quick masking and spray the valance lip with some flat black or SEM landau black?

But to your point... I doubt it will be noticeable once mounted and on the ground...

Great idea! Makes me want to order a SpoilersByRandy spoiler for the front of my car!

[langleylad]

The front spoiler is now firmly in place. I had to fabricate a couple of braces for the ends of the spoiler as they were hanging out there. Just simple piece that bolt to the spoiler and the fender supports. This spoiler is a OER piece from Summit . It came with 3 braces (I used 2) and mounting hardware (I didn't use) for less than $30. I originally planned on fabricating a spoiler but for only $30 why bother and as far as I'm concerned it looks like it was made for a Cougar.

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[Peanut1959]

Wide shot, please!

[OLDFLM]

WTF! Wow That's Fantastic!!!

And I see you painted that little lip! :cool:

[andrewb70]

Looking good! Drive the thing...you're running out of summer!

Andrew

[Tsaints1115]

It looks better than the reproduction factory one that I have.

[langleylad]

Wide shot, please!

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[Billf67]

That front end turned out killer!

[Tsaints1115]

That looks awesome.

[Peanut1959]

Awesome transformation! I really like the mix of old and new design cues.

[andrewb70]

One of the best looking Cougars around!

Andrew

[langleylad]

Thanks guys !

[langleylad]

I dug the back seats out of the attic today and was pleased to see that they still fit between the wheel tubs even though they were widened. Another plus was that I also realized how close this thing was to being done. But then , they’re never done.

[David Sloan]

One of the best looking Cougars around!

Andrew

Yes sir!

[Richness]

Alright, you've convinced me to get the 67-68 camaro front spoiler after looking at those pictures. I also love the timeless silver paint with black trim. I must have missed it in the thread, but what rear view mirror did you put on the passenger door?

[langleylad]

Alright, you've convinced me to get the 67-68 camaro front spoiler after looking at those pictures. I also love the timeless silver paint with black trim. I must have missed it in the thread, but what rear view mirror did you put on the passenger door?

The mirrors are 1964-66 Mustang. These mirrors are intended to sit on an angled surface , such as a 1964-66 Mustang. The mounting area on the Cougar is vertical and these mirrors on this surface "tuck" in. I don't hate the way they "tuck" in but I would prefer if they angled out a bit. They work fine as is , I would actually prefer no mirrors at all but that's not too practical. If I ever find a mirror that would work as I would like then "maybe" I'll swap them out.

Ya , I love the way the spoiler worked out. I felt that the front valance needed a little something and I feel that this spoiler was just the ticket. Plus for less than $50 , how can you go wrong ?.

[lxg44]

The car came out fantastic! Anxious to hear how it drives.

[langleylad]

Modified B&M Quicksilver Shifter

I didn't want to just bolt in an off the shelf shifter as is. I wanted something that looked like it belonged. The Quicksilver had the features that I wanted , it just didn't have the look I was after. I had to cut it apart and remove the main stick. This piece is unmodifiable. So I had to fabricate a new stick . The trim cover was shaved, body worked, painted and I added a vinyl carbon fiber wrap piece to tie it together with the Momo carbon fiber shifter handle as well as the Autometer Ultra-lite gauges that also have carbon fiber faces. The shifter boot is a cheap piece that I found on Amazon , that worked out perfect. Gear selector display is handled by Lokar. It's a cool piece that I installed in a little panel that I whipped up and is mounted under the dash between the Ididit column and the center console.

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[David Sloan]

Nicely done ! looks very clean!

[OLDFLM]

Killer result as always!! And another mod I may adopt to the console of my Firebird to tie in with my carbon dash...

[langleylad]

Hahahaha you’re to kind , thanks

[langleylad]

I've been busy finishing off little bits and pieces. The package tray is almost complete . I cut a new one out of some fiber board I had laying around and covered it in a piece of the first headliner that I installed and wasn't happy with. So that was a win. I order some fine mess stainless off of Amazon to make some speaker grills , I want a flush look to the package tray and didn't want to use the grills that came with the speakers. I ordered some interior pieces today from CJ Pony parts. I'm waiting on the seat belts that i ordered , probably a couple of weeks before they show up. I took the car for a quick trip around the block , I don't have any insurance on the car at the moment so it was short and sweet. It felt good , no strange noises . I can throw a temporary permit on it for a few days but I need those belts to be legal. The interior is coming together nicely.

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[andrewb70]

You're driving it to LSFest next week, right?

Andrew

[langleylad]

You're driving it to LSFest next week, right?

Andrew

Ya , that's only 2,500 miles each way. That would make a great shake down run ! lol

I take it that you'll be attending again this year. I look forward to your reports , here and on Instagram.

Mike

[andrewb70]

I am attending, but don't have my Cougar entered in anything. I have a bunch of buddies bringing their cars, so I am socializing, taking pictures, and grilling.

Andrew

[langleylad]

I am attending, but don't have my Cougar entered in anything. I have a bunch of buddies bringing their cars, so I am socializing, taking pictures, and grilling.

Andrew

Sounds like a great time to me !

[Proeliator]

Andrew, you're my hero! What an awesome build. I've owned Cougars since the 80's, and used to race a '67 from '88 to 2002. I still have two, and am finally building one of my '68's into a pro touring ride. I've sort of felt like I've been recreating the wheel and everybody has been telling me "nobody does this to Cougars". Its been driving me friggin nuts. And then, I found your build thread. I am super impressed with your execution. I also went with the TCI suspension, and am very happy with it. Currently figuring out the best way to mini tub it, as since you pointed out; the mini tubs out there don't actually fit Cougars even though they are advertised too. I was ready to hate your grill treatment as I'm a little old school, but I have to say you killed it, I'm a big fan. Just wanted to say thank you for such an amazing build thread, and keep up the good work. For my money, you have one of the sweetest Cougars on the planet. So happy to see somebody else going this direction with an old cat. Mine is kind of a retro pro touring build, as I'm using a roots blown 427, but boy is it nice to have the newer technology.

[langleylad]

Andrew, you're my hero! What an awesome build. I've owned Cougars since the 80's, and used to race a '67 from '88 to 2002. I still have two, and am finally building one of my '68's into a pro touring ride. I've sort of felt like I've been recreating the wheel and everybody has been telling me "nobody does this to Cougars". Its been driving me friggin nuts. And then, I found your build thread. I am super impressed with your execution. I also went with the TCI suspension, and am very happy with it. Currently figuring out the best way to mini tub it, as since you pointed out; the mini tubs out there don't actually fit Cougars even though they are advertised too. I was ready to hate your grill treatment as I'm a little old school, but I have to say you killed it, I'm a big fan. Just wanted to say thank you for such an amazing build thread, and keep up the good work. For my money, you have one of the sweetest Cougars on the planet. So happy to see somebody else going this direction with an old cat. Mine is kind of a retro pro touring build, as I'm using a roots blown 427, but boy is it nice to have the newer technology.

Hahahaha ! Thanks my friend but this isn't Andrew's build . But thanks for the kind words anyhow ! hahaha

Mike

[Proeliator]

Hahahaha ! Thanks my friend but this isn't Andrew's build . But thanks for the kind words anyhow ! hahaha

Mike

My bad Mike! I must have gotten your name confused with somebody else posting in this thread. Keep up the good work :thumbsup:

[langleylad]

Andrew also has a cool patina style Cougar build on here and he’s shared his knowledge with us all. He’s commented and encouraged me throughout this experience.

[langleylad]

Lately I've been working on the interior. A week ago I installed new sun visors and windshield pillar trim. Yesterday I started in on the carpeting. The rear passenger footwells have the subframe connectors running down the centre which makes installing carpet a bit of a PITA. I picked up some 1" dense foam from the local building centre and glued some 3/8" plywood to the back of each piece to bring the floor up level with the connectors. I was watching a video on carpet install and picked up a low dollar trick . When your carpet is in place and you need to insert trip screws through it. It's very easy for the screws to grab the carpet material and pull out a row. So the thing to do is to use a pick of some sort to find your holes then use a cheap wood burning tool to melt the material around the hole. I picked up one on Amazon for $15 and if worked like a charm.

[langleylad]

I gotta say that the TCI front suspension package with the Detroit Speed pieces that I've installed have really tightened up this machine. Today I jacked up the front passenger side corner 6" and the back passenger tire was off the ground by a good 4". Not much flex ... nice.

[langleylad]

Update , Took the Cougar for a quick trip around the block and without getting into details I managed to bust up the front spoiler. Lets just say it was a stupid mistake on my part. Haven't decided if I'll replace it. A couple of days ago I gave it a good wash while it was raining . Once it was clean I pulled it into the shop , dried it and put a cover over it until the spring. Hopefully by then I'll have the $$$ together to have the interior done , if not I'll insure it and work out the bugs. There are no bugs at the moment but I'm sure there will be .

[jaybee]

Oh, I like that solution for carpeting over subframe connectors!

[langleylad]

Oh, I like that solution for carpeting over subframe connectors!

Thanks , unfortunately I can’t take credit for this solution. One of the guys on here came up with this idea a while back. Thanks again whoever you are ! lol

[langleylad]

I just thought I'd give an update ...... nothing new , nothing notable anyways . I was hoping to have the seats and door panels recovered before summer but I don't know if it will happen . A little short on dollars at the moment , things haven't gone to plan this year so far . I've been thinking about selling my 88 S10 that I've had for years . 10 years ago I did the bodywork and had a local shop spray it the factory red. I also gave it the whole RideTech package. I want to start another project when the Cougar is done. If I keep the S10 , I'll probably do an LS swap , it currently has a warmed over 4.3. Anyhow, I do plan on insuring the Cougar and putting some miles on her anyway .

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[JayinMI]

I like that. I'm building a red (currently) '89, LQ4 swapped truck now. Was also considering running soft8's. Good looking truck.

[Teddyzee]

Mike, the car is looking great!
I hadn't seen the latest progress, and I'm not sure if i had seen the finished grill.
I really like how it turned out. First time I've noticed the flat top of the headlights, that explains your placement, and also the original look in the Challenger.

Hope you get to drive it.

[langleylad]

Mike, the car is looking great!
I hadn't seen the latest progress, and I'm not sure if i had seen the finished grill.
I really like how it turned out. First time I've noticed the flat top of the headlights, that explains your placement, and also the original look in the Challenger.

Hope you get to drive it.

Thanks ,
The flat tops is what I like most about the Challenger headlights. I thought that they would look great and would work well with the Cougar , I really like the results.

[C0ldsweep]

Can you expand on the use of mini tubs for your Cougar? I haven't been able to locate wheel house replacements for my 67. Did you need to do extensive mods to make the mini tubs fit?

[langleylad]

I PM'ed you with some info. I have a thread on Bangshift with my build , you may find more info there . https://bangshift.com/forum/forum/bangshift/project-cars-update/41030-langleylads-68-cougar-project

[langleylad]

Sooooo , me being the one who can't leave things alone. I decided that the engine needed a splash of colour. I thought that I'd pull the rocker covers and give them a coat of red. Low and behold I find that the oil under these covers is a creamy dark tan colour. F**k , I don't like the look of this. So I drained the oil and pulled the filter. Many years ago I blew a head gasket in my S10 , sure enough the oil was a watery mess . The oil that I was crying into today looks totally different than the oily mess from years ago. The LQ9 that I have in the Cougar is a used piece that I picked up. I checked the bearings and replaced the head gaskets along with new head bolts. I thought oil and water didn't mix, looks like it did to me. I'm going to put a new filter and oil in this thing and run a few tests . Since I put this engine back together it's only been run for an hour at the most . Your thoughts please ....

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[andrewb70]

Can it just be condensation?

[grease]

Is this a pic of the oil you drained? Or the inside surface of you valve cover? If it’s the oil I think you’ve got a problem. If it’s just the inside of your valve cover, it might be condensation, but is seems a little excessive. Do you have a PCV setup installed?

[langleylad]

Can it just be condensation?

That's what I'm hoping .

- - - Updated - - -


Is this a pic of the oil you drained? Or the inside surface of you valve cover? If it’s the oil I think you’ve got a problem. If it’s just the inside of your valve cover, it might be condensation, but is seems a little excessive. Do you have a PCV setup installed?

Drain pan , yes I do .

[grease]

Did you pull the oil filter? Is it milky too? I’d pressure check the cooling system for peace of mind before I drove it much.

[langleylad]

I pressure checked the system , all was good. I changed the oil and filter , brought it up to temp and checked the pressure again . Held steady pressure , no bubbles in the rad , oils clear and ran great . I'm putting it down to condensation .

[grease]

Sounds like you got it under control. Probably just condensation.

[langleylad]

To all of you south of the border , I'd like to wish you all a happy and safe 4th of July weekend . Cheers

[andrewb70]

To all of you south of the border , I'd like to wish you all a happy and safe 4th of July weekend . Cheers

Thanks Mike! Are you driving your Cougar?

[langleylad]

Thanks Mike! Are you driving your Cougar?

You’re welcome buddy , very , very soon . I hope you and yours are well.

[langleylad]

It's been awhile since I posted an update . I was planning on having a pro tackle the interior but I don't have the cash for that . I decided to take care of it myself. I bought some very nice quality vinyl online and got to work. I also made a center armrest and had a local interior guy sew up a cover for it. I cover the rear panels , pretty straight forward . I had to make new door cards for the front , the old one were warped. I'm also playing with the idea of making and installing Porsche 911 inspired door pulls . Here's some bits and pieces , I'll post up finished pics when they're done.180089180090180091180092180093

[andrewb70]

You'll do a great job and save a pile of money!

[Tsaints1115]

For anything you're gluing make sure to use a high temp glue. Standard contact cement will fail with interior temps.

https://www.amazon.com/Dap-Weldwood-Contact-Adhesive-Solvent/dp/B004IH3HAQ

[langleylad]

For anything you're gluing make sure to use a high temp glue. Standard contact cement will fail with interior temps.

https://www.amazon.com/Dap-Weldwood-Contact-Adhesive-Solvent/dp/B004IH3HAQ


Thanks for the tip

[langleylad]

Got them done , very plain but so were the stock panels. I need to order new arm rests to complete the job. I'm pleased with the Porsche inspired door pulls , they match the seatbelts that are also red. The carbon fiber wrap on the bezels that I made match the gauges , shifter knob and trim on the shifter cover. I need a "keeper" as they are called for the passenger side rear panel . These pieces were on 67-68 Cougars and 68 Mustangs. If by any chance anybody out there has one that they don't need , I'd be happy to buy it from you . I've posted a picture of the driver side piece. This seems to be the only part that I've lost since I tore the car apart 10+ years ago.

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[andrewb70]

Looking good!

[langleylad]

Thanks Andrew

Now I just need to tackle the seats . I think for the rear I will go with a stock upholstery kit , either a standard piece or the XR7 kit. West Coast Classic Cougar carries those and for the front I could do the same or I could go with a kit from TMI . TMI does not have kits for Cougars but they do for Mustangs and they have the same seat frames. TMI has 3 or 4 different kits so that is nice. Anyhow the seats will have to wait till after Christmas . You know ..... $$$$ .

[wfo guy]

In case you are unaware, if you cover the seat foam with light plastic such as painters plastic, it makes the recovering way easier. Looking good. :)

[langleylad]

In case you are unaware, if you cover the seat foam with light plastic such as painters plastic, it makes the recovering way easier. Looking good. :)

I was unaware , thank you very much for the info ! much appreciated

[langleylad]

Come on guys ! someone must have a 67-68 Cougar or a 68 Mustang rusting away that has the piece that I need or at least know someone that does . Thanks .

[andrewb70]

Come on guys ! someone must have a 67-68 Cougar or a 68 Mustang rusting away that has the piece that I need or at least know someone that does . Thanks .

Which part are you looking for?

[DrFraZZy]

copied; I need a "keeper" as they are called for the passenger side rear panel . These pieces were on 67-68 Cougars and 68 Mustangs. If by any chance anybody out there has one that they don't need , I'd be happy to buy it from you . I've posted a picture of the driver side piece. This seems to be the only part that I've lost since I tore the car apart 10+ years ago.

[andrewb70]

copied; I need a "keeper" as they are called for the passenger side rear panel . These pieces were on 67-68 Cougars and 68 Mustangs. If by any chance anybody out there has one that they don't need , I'd be happy to buy it from you . I've posted a picture of the driver side piece. This seems to be the only part that I've lost since I tore the car apart 10+ years ago.

I read that... but have no idea what part that is...

[Tsaints1115]

From the looks of the pic it's the trim part that holds the rear inner trim panel to the B pillar area.

[Vimes]

Your Google-Fu was no match for my Duck style -

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=1968+cougar+interior+parts+keeper&t=ffab&ia=web

https://www.partsclassiccar.com/car-detail/other-parts/Set-1967-1968-Mercury-Cougar-Rear-Interior-Panel_143818467955.html

[langleylad]

Thanks guys I ordered it from West Coast Classic Cougar . I was hesitant to order from them because it can take weeks to receive my order and the shipping costs can be crazy on some orders. This time the shipping cost is cheap and I’m in no hurry to get it. Just watch now I’ll find it somewhere, no I don’t think so . I’ve turned the shop upside down looking for it .

[langleylad]

I received my part today from West Coast Classic Cougar . A lot faster than I thought. So now I have to restore and install it , that should take all of an hour ! lol .

181198

[ronin187]

Mike regarding the transmission tunnel, is there any feasible way to fit yours trans without modifying the tunnel? im guessing no, but hoping yes. lol

[langleylad]

Mike regarding the transmission tunnel, is there any feasible way to fit yours trans without modifying the tunnel? im guessing no, but hoping yes. lol

No , the 4L65E is quite a big larger than the C4 that was in there . When I designed and built this thing , I wanted it to be easy to work on . It makes life easier . I wanted room around the trans so I started from scratch .

[andrewb70]

Hey Mike..


Are you driving this thing yet?

[langleylad]

Hey Mike..


Are you driving this thing yet?

lol ! Yes sir ! runs awesome and it hauls ! lol . I still have to recover the seats . Slow down at work (covid) means not much extra $ to go around.

[ronin187]

found your build thread on Bang Shift - think I'll follow in your footsteps and modify the trans tunnel when its time. Cheers mate!

[langleylad]

Glad to help .... if you have any questions don't be affraid to ask

[ronin187]

Thanks mate,

I've found a video on youtube where a guy has installed an LS and 4L80e into his 66 Mustang with only a few mods to the tunnel (tunnel support brace trimmed and plated). and a builder here in Australia that did an LS / 4L65E into a 67 Mustang with what appears to be no mods.

Now he is using a K-Member swap but I think his running gear is much further forward than yours - front of the block face to radiator support at approx 15 in.

Would you be able to measure yours for me (front of block to rad support)?

Cheers man!

[langleylad]

Thanks mate,

I've found a video on youtube where a guy has installed an LS and 4L80e into his 66 Mustang with only a few mods to the tunnel (tunnel support brace trimmed and plated). and a builder here in Australia that did an LS / 4L65E into a 67 Mustang with what appears to be no mods.

Now he is using a K-Member swap but I think his running gear is much further forward than yours - front of the block face to radiator support at approx 15 in.

Would you be able to measure yours for me (front of block to rad support)?

Cheers man!

It's 18 inches . The tunnel in my Cougar was not very big , I made a new tunnel as well as the firewall , when I built the Cougar I designed it so it would be easy to work on.

[Coutang]

I know this thread is ancient, but here it goes. I absolutely love the Challenger grille. How can I find out more about it?

thanks,
mitch
Coutang
1967
Had it since 1977… it’s in pieces! Lol

[langleylad]

I know this thread is ancient, but here it goes. I absolutely love the Challenger grille. How can I find out more about it?

thanks,
mitch
Coutang
1967
Had it since 1977… it’s in pieces! Lol


Thanks , the actual light assembies I bought off of eBay . They're not original Mopar pieces but they're far from junk. I had to modify the back side of the housings to fit my application. The rest of the grille I fabricated from 18g sheet metal and plastic honeycomb material that I found on eBay as well . I also fabricated a structure from 1"x1" square tubing to mount the housing assemblies too. I've had plenty of positive comments on the overall look of the front of the car. Thanks again .

[Coutang]

What page of your work, could I look at this conversion with more detailed images etc?

[langleylad]

What page of your work, could I look at this conversion with more detailed images etc?

I didn't document step by step how I built this grille. There are pictures in this thread that I took during the build. My suggestion to you if you want to build something one of a kind is to buy the parts you need and just make it happen. If you want to put in the work then go for it , there are no guarantees .

[langleylad]

Wow , it's been awhile since I've updated . I've installed Procar low back seats up front and I stripped the back seat down to the frame and narrowed the frames approx 4 inches because of the Detroit Speed mini tubs. I decided to purchase the Procar seats rather than redo the original buckets because of $ , I would have to wait 6-9 months for a kit , plus I'd need to replace the old foam which is falling apart , etc .. next step is to have the rear seat recovered locally .


208007

[andrewb70]

Those look pretty nice. What did you have to do for the brackets?

Andrew

[langleylad]

Those look pretty nice. What did you have to do for the brackets?

Andrew

Hey Andrew , they’re not to shabby. I pretty much looked at a picture of the ones Procar(Scat) sells and copied those . 1” square steel tube capped on the ends with an internal nut . 1/8” 1 1/2” steel flat bar that run across connecting the square tubes . They use the stock holes in the floor pan.

[langleylad]

Check out this page from Summit Racing https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sca-81266

These are the ones