Current
"Full Inventory"
(Projects, Completions and Personal Collection)

67 Camaro RS Conv.

68 Austin Healey Sprite

68 Cougar

69 Corvette

70 Opel GT

69 Marcos 3000GT

86 TVR 280i

73 TVR 2500M

90 Buick Reatta

70 Opel GT Project
 

1968 Cougar
XR-7
  • License: 4ZWF381
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
Click on an image for a larger view

OK, as I stated in the home page of this site, both my first and second cars were Cougars (both XR-7s). When I started getting deep into the restoration habit, I decided it was time to relive the my past and get another one. This Cougar is identical to my first one except for color (it was Forest Green). After spending a year and a half tinkering with various mechanical issues (engine accessories, transmission, suspension and brakes mostly), I stripped it apart - inside and out - and sent it off for a fresh coat of paint. When it returned, I repaired and polished all trim before reinstalling. Then, I replaced all rubber gaskets and weatherstripping. Finally, I did a full restoration of the interior. In the process, I upgraded the stereo system, added power door locks and trunk release, and treated my bad back to an in-seat heater.

The result is a great car that looks and drives like new. I'm enjoying it as my always-reliable fall-back transportation when one of the more exotic cars is acting up, or when I just need something comfortable. It also makes a great car for multiple passengers. I have to say, that after having three Cougars, this one is by far the best. The best part is listening to music that I first heard as a teenager while cruising in my first Cougar and enjoying the wave of nostalgia.

SPECIFICATIONS

MANUFACTURER: Lincoln Mercury
MODEL YEAR: 1968
MODEL NAME: Cougar XR-7
MILEAGE: 114,029 (5/10/05)
REG EXPIRES: 6/05


ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:

  • Model: Ford 302 V8
  • Serial #: xx
  • Type: V8, OHV Hydraulic Lifter
  • Horsepower: 250 (approx)
  • Overhauled/Rebuilt: @116,000 mi
  • Block Casting #: xx
  • Block Casting Date: 1979
  • Heads Casting #: xx
  • Heads Casting Date: 1969 (High Output)
  • Pistons: xx
  • Compression Ratio: xx
  • Camshaft: xx
  • Transmission: 3-Speed C4 Automatic
  • Features:
    • Holley 600 "Avenger" 4-Barrell
    • Edelbrock 289 Performer Intake Manifold
    • High Output Heads

CHASSIS:

  • Manufacture Date: 1968
  • Body Code: xx
  • Body Number: xx
  • Paint Color: Grecian Gold
  • Top Color: White Vinyl (recently replaced)
  • Tires: 215/70R-14 BFG T/A Radials
  • Condition:
    • Body is Straight and Rust-Free
    • New Urethane Paint
  • Front Suspension: Fully Rebuilt Including Shocks & Springs (HD, lowered)
  • Rear Suspension: New Springs & Shocks
  • Brakes: Power Front Disc / Rear Drum

INTERIOR:

  • Option Code: XR-7/Deluxe
  • Color: Parchment
  • Material: Leather/Vinyl
  • Features:
    • Woodgrain Dash
    • Tachometer, Ammeter, Clock, Coolant Temp & Oil Pressure Gauges
    • Overhead Console w/Courtesy & Warning Lights
    • Center Console

OPTIONAL FACTORY EQUIPMENT:

  • XR-7 Trim
  • Power Steering
  • Power Disc Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Tinted Windows
  • Spoke Wire Wheel Covers
  • Trailer Hitch
  • Rear Window Defroster
  • Tilt-Away Steering Wheel
  • Cruise Control (missing throttle actuator)

OPTIONAL AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT:

  • USA-2 AM/FM Cassette Stereo
  • 2 200W "Cruncher" Amplifiers
  • 12-Disk CD/MP3 Changer (RF)
  • Blaupunkt Speakers (front and rear)
  • Driver's Seat Heater (2 position)
  • Remote Electric Door Locks
  • Remote Electric Trunk Release
  • Custom XR-7 Logo Floormats
  • Accessory DC Outlet
  • Aluminum Edelbrock Intake Manifold
  • Holley 600 CFM 4-BBL "Avenger" Carburator
  • 14" Chrome Edelbrock Air Cleaner
  • Ford Electronic Ignition (from '79 LTD)
  • Dual Exhaust

WORK DONE SINCE PURCHASE:

  • Transmission Rebuild
  • New Dual Exhaust System
  • Urethane Paint Job (11/04)
  • New Reproduction Interior Upholstery
  • New Headliner
  • New Carpet
  • New Carpet Underlayment
  • Refinished Sidepanels and Console
  • New Windshield and Backglass Gaskets
  • New Side Window Rubber and Felts
  • New Door Weatherstripping
  • New Mirrors (Inside and Out)
  • New Trunk Liner and Underlayment
  • Refinish Grill
  • Replace/Rebuild Entire Brake System
  • Replace Front Bumper (had small ding)
  • Install Hood Insulation
  • Replace Rocker Panels
  • Repair/Replace all Chrome/Stainless Trim
  • Install New AM/FM/Cassette CD/MP3 Changer Stereo System
  • Install Seat Heater
  • Install Power Door Locks
  • Install Electric Remote Trunk Release
  • Install Alarm w/Remote Keyless Entry
  • Install Accessory DC Outlet
  • New Front Springs (930# and 1" lower) and Spring Saddles
  • New Rear Springs and Urethane Bushings
  • New Front and Rear Shock Absorbers
  • Replaced Stock 2-Barrel Intake Manifold with Edelbrock "289 Performer"
  • Replaced Stock 2-Barrel Carburetor with Holley 600CFM 4-Barrel "Avenger"
  • Installed Edelbrock 14" Chrome Air Cleaner Assembly
  • Reinstall A/C (all engine compartment components were missing)
    • Rebuilt Compressor
    • New Condenser
    • New Drier
    • New Clutch
    • New Expansion Valve
    • New Custom-Made Hoses
    • New Mounting Brackets and Pulleys
    • Rebuild Heat/AC/Fan Control Assembly (was clogged)
    • Rebuild Temperature Control Vacuum Valve
    • Trace and Properly Route/Connect all Vacuum Lines (several were wrong)
  • Restore Original Front Engine Components (had single grooved-belt pulley
    configuration)
    • New Alternator
    • New Power Steering Pump
    • All Coolant Hoses and Thermostat
    • All Belts
  • Power Steering-Related Adjustments (was way out of whack)
  • Front Wheel Alignment
  • Installed Factory Optional Trailer Hitch
  • New 4-Row High-Capacity Radiator
  • Replaced Heater Control Valve
  • Replaced Aluminum Wheels w/Factory Steel and Spoke Wheel Covers
  • Refurbished Dash and Steering Wheel Pad and Emblems
  • Replaced Battery
  • Replaced Regulator
  • Install Proper Length Pushrods (was tapping)
  • Replace Ignition Wire Set
  • Install Chrome Wire Looms
  • New Antenna
  • New Radiator Cap
  • Installed Windshield Washer Bottle (was missing)
  • Replaced Windshield Washer Pump
  • Installed Coolant Recovery Tank

WORK REMAINING:

  • Locate & Install Missing Cruise Control Actuator
  • Replace Hood Hinge(s) (one is slightly sprung)

MAINTENANCE LOG:

  • Last Oil and Filter Change: 114,022
  • Last Coolant Flush and Change: 114,120
  • Last Transmission Fluid and Filter: 115,000
  • Last Air Filter Replacement: 111,000
  • Last Tire Rotation: 113,500

Send Mail to
bob@midlifeclassics.com

Visitors since 11/5/2003