My 68 Cougar Pro-Touring / Resto-Mod Project

[langleylad]

Some interior bodywork got done today . I've fabricated AC vent housings in the lower corners of the dash and also smoothed the dash where the ashtray was . I had to fabricate a perch for the DSE wiper switch , just above the driver side AC duct . I've also noticed some areas where my shade tree bodywork is not quite to my liking . Bodywork never ends , tears .......

[langleylad]

I've applied a guide coat over the poly-surfacer and started sanding with 320 grit . Not a lot of fun but it must be done , it's nice and smooth . Starting to see some progress .

[Peanut1959]

Keep at it!

[andrewb70]

The Hooker manifolds fit well and by all accounts flow well. My Cougar dynoed at 325rwhp, which is what you would expect for what it is...

Andrew

[langleylad]

Thanks Andrew , Since I took a high $$$$ bath on the Kooks header gamble . I decided to take a low $$$$ shot at a pair of Chinese ebay stainless 1 5/8 primary LS swap short tubes . I've got to say that I'm very happy with the quality and fit of these pipes . Sure , their not going to make the same power as the Kooks by far but they work for me . Ground clearance is not going to be a problem at all . I've purchased a pair of v-bands and 45 degree 2 1/2" stainless elbows which have worked out just great . Job done .

[rustomatic]

Those look very similar to the headers I put on my Falcon. I was impressed with the fit and finish--they looked a lot more formidable than the last set of Hedmans I put on the last Ford engine. I've yet to heat them up, though . . .

[67goatman455]

i have Chinese headers on my truck, they turn very ugly once you get a splash of water on them while hot so i'd recommend having them ceramic coated

[shikwann]

Any new updates?

[langleylad]

Any new updates?

Sanding the poly-surfacer , built a bracket to hold the Alpine stereo & amp , planning the mounting bracket of a Lokar trunk release lever , and pulled the engine and trans , again ! . I shaved the trunk lock and installed an Electric-Life power trunk release , so I thought it would be a good idea to install a manual release inside . In case the battery goes dead , which will be in the trunk . I'm planning on using a Detroit Speed battery relocation kit . I decided to go with the B&M Quicksilver shifter . I don't plan on using it as is . I want to fab up some type of console . I think this will be a good project for the winter months . My plan for the summer will be to hopefully spray some primer sealer, basecoat & clearcoat on this thing . I'm still trying to decide on a final colour , It will be in the silver to grey field of colours .

[shikwann]

pretty cool update! I've been following this thread for over a week since I registered for this site. I have a 1968 Cougar that I am currently working on myself so this has given me a lot of great ideas--thank you for that! I'm looking forward to see what you come up with the QS shifter. I have one too and I hate the way the bottom looks alone installed. From the bottom black plastic casing up, it looks good. Looks like you tubbed the rear wheel wells, what kit did you use? Do you have any pics of the install? I would like to do something like that too.

[langleylad]

pretty cool update! I've been following this thread for over a week since I registered for this site. I have a 1968 Cougar that I am currently working on myself so this has given me a lot of great ideas--thank you for that! I'm looking forward to see what you come up with the QS shifter. I have one too and I hate the way the bottom looks alone installed. From the bottom black plastic casing up, it looks good. Looks like you tubbed the rear wheel wells, what kit did you use? Do you have any pics of the install? I would like to do something like that too.

Thanks , I used the mini-tub kit for early Mustangs from Detroit Speed . It's an awesome product , easy install if you take your time and go step by step . The rear section of the tubs needs to be modified as Cougar tubs angle back and are not round like in the Mustangs . If you have the proper tools , you can knock it out as well . Sorry I didn't take any pictures but if you go on youtube you can see the install video from Detroit Speed .

[langleylad]

I will be installing the DSE Quadralink rear suspension . You pretty much have to go with a four link with this mini-tub kit . So far I've installed the DSE frame connectors , mini-tub and torque boxes .

[langleylad]

I sanded the first coat of poly-surfacer after applying a guide coat and decided another coat was needed . I also noticed a couple of areas that needed a little more work . So I looked after them and sprayed on another coat , applied guide coat and I've sanded over half of the car . Looks good . Body work can drive a man crazy , I realize that I'm picky and I also realize that I'm not a bodyman by trade and that a lot of people wont notice the little spots that I do . So I've decided "good enough" or this machine will never get finished . Once I'm finished sanding the poly-surfacer (which will be very soon) , I'll spray on some 2K urethane primer surfacer , sand that nice and smooth , then spray on some paint . I just have to decide on a final colour (colour, yes I'm Canadian) . My plan has been to have it painted by the end of summer . Fingers crossed

.

[xsboost90]

same headers im running. Look good in there- prob. will get them ceramic coated at some point though. Great job on the car looks awesome

[langleylad]

Thanks man . It's very hard to make a final choice on colour, the colour can make or break a vehicle . Case in point the new Camaros , I hate them in yellow but in dark blue they look awesome . Colours can hide or magnify body lines . Plus I've been using Eastwood products , so I'd like to stick to their colours . But then I haven't sprayed on my primer sealer so I could go with another brand.

[Peanut1959]

How about a nice, deep, black cherry?

[langleylad]

Paint is ordered ................. Silver , I'm keeping it simple because I'm painting it myself. I'm awesome at primer , we'll see how basecoat / clearcoat goes. I'm very positive that it will go quite smoothly . The big brown truck is bringing a Comp Cam and etc. tomorrow from Summit , I love it when that truck pulls up . Just watched a few episodes of Roadkill Garage , love the show . In episode 1 David refers to the Cougar as an "ugly version of a popular car (Mustang)" . Which I strangely enough agree with , which is one of the goals of this build is to knock the ugly off of this vehicle . Here's the show ladies and gentlemen ( Ed Sullivan ). https://youtu.be/55TY4fuJCTA

[langleylad]

Comp Cam and kit installed without any problems . This LSM Racing valve spring compressor is the cat's ass . Worked awesome , it cost quite a bit more than others but it's built like a tank. I compared the old cam to an old SB cam and what a difference in cam journal size . Now to make it pretty.

[langleylad]

I've pulled the fenders and hood off so that I can spray the engine compartment semi-gloss black . The engine is all back together after the cam change and sprayed with a ceramic engine enamel paint . I also spent a few $$$ on a TCI convertor 2400-2800 stall . This convertor should work out just fine with the Comp Cam .

[langleylad]

My whole plan was to have this car painted by the end of summer. So far everything is going to plan . I should have it sprayed within the next couple of weeks . I'm really looking forward to putting this cat back together . Once it's painted I can put the engine and trans back in , that's why I decided to purchase the TCI convertor now . I thought about going with the stock convertor and seeing if it liked the cam but then thought differently . I've got a garage full of parts that need to find there way home . I've spent a few $ lately on parts and tools and I need to settle down and get to work . That's not to say that I haven't been putting in garage time , I have been . It's just time to empty these parts shelves and pay down the Visa .