Picked up a 70 cougar.

[71chevellejohn]

Wharz cougar?

[JC316]

After some careful research, I am coming close to an engine decision. I am thinking I'll just go with a 5.0L EFI and T5. Only real challenge I see in that is the A/C compressor and Power steering, but I think I can work around that. In the mean time, I will likely just swap in a T5 behind the 351 while I gather the parts I need for the engine swap.

[Jimbo]

Awesome looking project. I like the look with the vinyl top. Sort of an anti-eliminator, lol. Should make a great cruiser.

[Z06killinsbf]

Holy tiny tires!! Looks to be in decent shape though.

[JC316]

Dont let anyone lean up against it! lol

Yeah. The only good news there is another vinyl top is likely going back on, so it really doesn't matter how it looks under there, just so long as the rust is gone.

[Pooter]

I am scared to pull that top off cause I know there is going to be a shit storm under it.

Dont let anyone lean up against it! lol

[hawaii5.0]

Nice project...

[JC316]

Bet that roof is hating life too! lol

I am scared to pull that top off cause I know there is going to be a shit storm under it.

[kobuzz]

Nice project. Those wheels look good on it.

[Pooter]

Bet that roof is hating life too! lol

[JC316]

Better pics.

[KBScobravert]

There is grass growing in your passenger floor board. Nice patch of turf too.

[KBScobravert]

[rick james] DARKNESS [/rick james]

[JC316]

Got the brakes working on it. Had some serious clogs in the lines and the fluid was too awful to talk about. Flush and fill, bled them and now it will lock up all four wheels if I stomp on it. The engine is healthy, but the third gear is MIA on the transmission. Walks the floor a bit, I am sure it needs new bushings on the front end.

[Lusk Racing]

Thanks for the input, always glad to hear from someone that has done it. The quarters aren't too bad, the lower portions, before that bend in the body line are starting to bubble through the paint. Again, the top is bubbling up, but it's not too bad yet. I am not looking to turn a profit on the car, but I am not looking for a show car either, just daily driver quality again. I think it sucks that people restore these old cars to show quality then turn them into garage queens.

As for the cost of building it. I have built a Thunderbird SC from the transmission up and modded out two SN95 mustangs and I never once saw my money back out. At least a classic will retain it's value longer than the newer ones will. Would rather spend the money to put a classic on the road than a new one.

That's cool. Hit me up if you run into anything you need, I am in Kansas, but I do have a couple of parts cars and I have acquired some Cougar stuff over the years.