1970 Cougar - Top Eliminator

[Mellon]

To All,

I have been lurking for a while on the site and find amazing the skill and creativity. I do not possess those skills. With that being said, I am working with a builder, Randy Borcherding, at the Painthouse. He is more talented. So here is the project that hopefully we should complete mid next year.

1970 Cougar Convertible (It was painted already when we started work on it)
DSE tubs, front and rear full suspension
2003 Terminator SVT motor that was in the 2003 and 2004 Mustang Cobras
T-56 Trans
Custom interior (not yet finalized)
Custom paint (The color is Randy's take on the classic Grabber Orange with pearl)

The "vibe" that we are going for is to create a modern version of the Cougar Eliminator that they had in 1970. Ford did not make the convertible in the Eliminator package, hence we did. Because we can. (Top Eliminator name because we removed the top)

[Mellon]

I am going to add some more pics

[Mellon]

More pictures

[cbpldc]

Looking good! I like the 03-04 Termi motor. This will be a very unique ride when its done.

Chris

[DrFraZZy]

Hell yeah! it is being done right! It is going to be expensive but it will be all worth it as long they stay on track and do what is already been done.

[andrewb70]

Nice project!
Any info on the skinnies in the front?

Andrew

[Crestronwizard]

Is that the DSE front also?

[sdg0080]

Nice, should be pretty brutal when done.

[Bossed]

Now that's how you build a Cougar :cool:

[Mellon]

Andrew,

The skinny tires are just old rims and tires they had laying around to push and transport the car.

Geoff,

That is a full DSE front end.

[Z06killinSBF]

Some very nice work going on, this will be a looker when done.

[Mellon]

The underside is finished and painted. The suspension goes on to make a roller while they plumb the engine. The engine is back on. And yes that is a 2.3 Whipple Super Charger on top of a Terminator Motor.

[DrFraZZy]

So so so jealous.. So what exactly will this car be used for? Just a friendly fun cruiser?

[Mellon]

Mainly a fun cruiser that I can take to the track or road race. The builder might want to show the car at Goodguys at some events while it is "fresh".

[Mach1_Ron]

1 word for it... AWESOME

[Mellon]

Sorry the pictures are a little out of order. I uploaded the original shot underneath the car so you could compare to the second shot of the finished work. I find it interesting to see all of the bracing, clean up work, and smoothing underneath. The raw metal pieces in the second picture are being painted, but they help cover the bolt holes for the seats and connect the two torque boxes (we have other framing pieces that bolts also, just not shown in this picture)

[boostedtorino]

love it great looking car. love the power plant

[Mellon]

A small update. We (Really the builder, as I do not have the skill) are busy plumbing the JRI adjustable shocks. My 69 Mustang is lowered and I scrape the bottom on speed bumps, so I am looking forward to being able to lift the car 3 inches when I am driving in the city and lower it on the highway/track.

Also, since the theme is a luxury sports car, we have started to mount the AC and will have a push button start. (along with some other goodies)

[Michaels 69]

Nice looking cougar, should be a lot of fun.

[Mellon]

As you guys know, life gets hectic and priorities are made. The good news is the cougar is back on the front burner. Since the last update, it has been repainted, engine is in for the last time. Suspension is on. The next step is finalizing the rims and putting the car back on the ground.

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[chunger]

Glad to see this project is still alive. I was afraid it had turned into another build that ran out of money.

Car is SUPER clean and looking good!

[lxg44]

Love it! Subscribed!

(I'm still partial to the 69 though.)

[705.0Merc]

Very nice!

[Mellon]

Project back on. After Covid, Family issues, etc, back on

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[705.0Merc]

Wow looks great! What size wheels & tires?

[Mellon]

325/30/19 for the back
235/40/18 for the front (I think)

[andrewb70]

Fancy build!

Andrew

[Mellon]

The car is off to the interior shop. Running and driving. "Roll Bar" is installed. Door Handles are in.

One question I have, is there anyone that makes 335/35/r19 tires? I know it is a weird size, but at one time, I think you use to be able to get this size.

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[jaybee]

Very, very nice. 1969-70 Cougars are my favorites.

[Mellon]

Wanted to give an update. I am truly amazed how people have embraced 3D printing. Opens up some really cool things. (Again way above my expertise). Since we are moving things around in the dash board, the interior person decided to 3d print the dash. We are putting in a 7 inch Alpine touch screen. Also the gauges were custom Dakota. Dakota has some really cool things as far as LED options. As you know we call the car Top Eliminator, thus the interior guy made a custom badge to sit on the passenger side. (Like the original) Except this lights up at night with the gauges. (this is a very rough mock up, so it will be refined. The wood veneer is just a mock up also). You can also see how he printed some of side and back panels in the trunk. Lastly, we got the top on car.

Progress

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[jaybee]

I can't say I'd have picked that top to go with that yellow, but it looks fantastic.

[andrewb70]

I love the 3D printing work on the interior!

Nitto makes a 345/30-19 drag radial. Might be a good option if you want a taller tire.


Andrew

[bryan95502]

Any chance of sharing the 3D print files?? Would be great for the community!

[Mellon]

I will have to ask the interior person. His work and creation.

[DrFraZZy]

I am loving it! This car is coming along nicely.

[TotallyHucked]

Cougars usually aren't my thing but this is turning out amazing! I work in the industry and know about the 3D printing advancements but I think this car has the most 3D printing I've seen, very cool!

As for the tires, I believe Michelin may be your only option for that size in a 19.

[Mellon]

Things are slowly moving. Hopefully interior "wraps" up in a month or so.

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[Mellon]

The Cougar has left the interior shop. A couple of pictures of the finished interior. (A side note, the leather is three shades dark brown, but my flash kept going off). We are working hard to make SEMA this year.

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[705.0Merc]

Wow looks great!

[chunger]

That is an incredible job - fantastic work!

[Vimes]

That is very nice, always liked a brown interior in a car.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Very impressive build!

[Mellon]

The car showed well at SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance banquet. While we didn’t make the cut for Battle of the Builder, we did get win Best Ford from AMD

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCAE65bt-H1/?igsh=azEzeHJqc2N3ZWI2.

Above is the video when it was unveiled. Also some cool pictures

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[JJ 86]

Very nice build!!! Congrats on the award!