My 68 Cougar Pro-Touring / Resto-Mod Project

[langleylad]

This is the part I was curious about since I didn't have mustang wheel tubs to compare to. Do you recall the difference in length? Was the shape/contour close though? What I mean is if I cut a mustang wheel house in half at the wheel center-line, can I just add metal to the center to account for the increase in length or is most of the increased length rear of the wheel center-line?

I know what you are talking about but unfortunately that won't work . As the inner half of the tub ( which you are replacing ) has to have the same contour as the outer half . There is not a big difference between the two but there is a difference , it has been a while since I modified these but I'd say it was maybe 2 inches .

[shikwann]

Here is what he is referring too. There is also space being robbed towards the front of the wheel well where narrows up front away from the frame. See below as well

I'm looking at increasing this more towards the frame to square it up allowing more room.



Langleylad just curious do you know if that is something that should be looked into widening as well? What size wheel/tire combo are you looking to stuff into yours?

[langleylad]

That is a large gap . You also see the difference in contour that I was referring to . The DSE tubs are shaped differently compared to these ones , designed for more clearance . I'm running Michelin 295/35/18 in the rear and they do get close in the front of the wheelwell .

[langleylad]

Painting is done ! Considering that I painted it at home in the garage , I'm very happy with the outcome . Is it perfect ? No , but I didn't think it would be . I'm also very happy with how the Shelby tail lights turned out .

[langleylad]

Here's the center console completed . 05-09 Ford P/U A/C ducts , modified B&M Quicksilver shifter and Vintage Air controls installed .

[andrewb70]

This thing is turning out to be Lux!

Andrew

[langleylad]

This thing is turning out to be Lux!

Andrew

lol , I don't know about that . Thanks Andrew

[andrewb70]

lol , I don't know about that . Thanks Andrew

It's pretty LUX compared to my original interior and 2/75 AC system!

Andrew

[OLDFLM]

There's still room for a cup holder in front of the shifter! Love this build!

[langleylad]

There's still room for a cup holder in front of the shifter! Love this build!

Thanks man , I actually bought a couple of stainless cup holders but they're just too big . I think I'll look online for a couple more but smaller .

[USAZR1]

Incredible build. Love the color,too.

[langleylad]

Incredible build. Love the color,too.

Thanks , you're too kind . I love the color as well . I still have to color sand and polish , then as some fool on TV says "it'll shine like a diamond in a goats ass " !

[langleylad]

It's been kinda cool out in the shop lately to do any thing constructive but I did manage to order the rear suspension from Summit Racing . I went with the Detroit Speed Quadralink kit . It's built for 66-70 Mustangs but with some slight mods it'll work with my Cougar . I love working with quality parts .

[langleylad]

Looks like I've got to wait a month and a half for delivery on the rear suspension . In the mean time I can install the headliner , continue on the wiring , figure out how I'm going to run the rear section of the fuel lines , etc ...

[Peanut1959]

Glad to hear you're still making progress!

[restomodcougar]

Wow love this build langleylad. I'm in the Langley area too, actually Cloverdale, and would love to see what you've done in person one day. I'm on my 4th Cougar project as I just picked up a nice 68 with plans to slowly do what you are doing after a hiatus of a few years. Think I will eventually go with a Coyote swap as I loved that motor after having a Brown Bros. built modified 2011 Mustang GT convertible for a few years.

[langleylad]

Finally received my order from DSE and proceeded to cut out the rear floor section . I've got to work slowly as this kit was designed for Mustangs not Cougars . Cougar rear springs are 6 inches longer than Mustangs . The DSE kit is based off of the front rear leaf spring attachment point , so I figure if I move this point in the Cougar rearward 3 inches I should be good to go . So good so far . If I make a mistake the axle won't be centred in the wheelwell . I've also installed a complete Vintage Air A/C set up including their Frontrunner kit . As well as a Be-Cool LS swap rad and Dual Spal fans .Sorry for the sideways photos . I don't have the patience to figure out how to fix it .

[stanger89]

Finally received my order from DSE and proceeded to cut out the rear floor section . I've got to work slowly as this kit was designed for Mustangs not Cougars . Cougar rear springs are 6 inches longer than Mustangs . The DSE kit is based off of the front rear leaf spring attachment point , so I figure if I move this point in the Cougar rearward 3 inches I should be good to go . So good so far . If I make a mistake the axle won't be centred in the wheelwell .

I'm following your build with great interest, I'm actually at the very beginning stages of a very similar build. I just picked up a solid, blank slate, 68 Cougar and I'm planning on putting a full DSE suspension under it. I'm very interested in what mods you had to make to the Quadralink to get it in. I had been thinking I would extend the links to center the axle, but it sounds like you did something different, any more info or pics on what you did?

[langleylad]

I'm following your build with great interest, I'm actually at the very beginning stages of a very similar build. I just picked up a solid, blank slate, 68 Cougar and I'm planning on putting a full DSE suspension under it. I'm very interested in what mods you had to make to the Quadralink to get it in. I had been thinking I would extend the links to center the axle, but it sounds like you did something different, any more info or pics on what you did?

I wouldn't modify the link bars , they're a quality piece . As I said , you just need to drill a new hole 3" back from the original front leaf spring bolt hole , lengthen the torque box , and fabricate/modify the upper frame link attachment boxes . DSE supplies a template for positioning the upper mounts . You don't need to be a professional fabricator to do this . If you don't want to go this route and would rather go with longer links then I'd contact DSE and see if they could build you longer links . They have a special swivel link on one end . I hope this info helps you .

[stanger89]

I wouldn't modify the link bars , they're a quality piece . As I said , you just need to drill a new hole 3" back from the original front leaf spring bolt hole , lengthen the torque box , and fabricate/modify the upper frame link attachment boxes . DSE supplies a template for positioning the upper mounts . You don't need to be a professional fabricator to do this . If you don't want to go this route and would rather go with longer links then I'd contact DSE and see if they could build you longer links . They have a special swivel link on one end . I hope this info helps you .

Yeah, I wasn't thinking of lengthening them myself, I figured I'd talk to DSE about it, or get my shop to build me longer ones. I'll have to take a look to see which route works best, I'm not sure I had the right picture in my head for what mods you did I'm still a several months out from actually starting anything anyway.

Thanks

OK, watching the install video again, I think I see what you mean, your way probably is easier