1967 Mercury Cougar

[Huzer]

Got the sending unit in. No leaks. Filled it up, took it for a spin. Fun times!

[RX-7 Chris]

That took a while. glad it is finally back together.

[Huzer]

Me too. We had our carpets cleaned yesterday. The guy that did them is a car guy. He has a '70 Superbee, his son had a '67 Cougar for his first car. He owns the cleaning franchise, and used to be a body/paint guy. We chatted cars for a bit.

It's nice now that I have a sealed fuel system (no holes in the tank!) that when I go in the garage, it doesn't smell like a gas station in there. Now that that is done, not sure what the next order of business is. The car has taken a backseat to the wife's house searching/home projects.

[RX-7 Chris]

Steering and front suspension should be next.

[Huzer]

Discovered the Cougar trunk is huge. The neighbor bought a pedal go-kart style cart and asked if they could have it delivered here to hide from their little ones. The big old 4'x2'x2' box fits easily in the trunk. Wee!

I'm looking forward to all 3 vehicles fitting in a garage. Too bad it's a month away!

[Huzer]

Since I've been bored, and bored minds are a dangerous thing, I've been debating going a bit crazy. I've been researching Coyote swaps into the Cougar. That would certainly be fun, but would not be a reversible modification. It'd also be pricy. I haven't looked into any other "modern" style swaps. There's a decent article in a prior Mustang Monthly the outlines the challenges.

[Shadowden]

Had to google it. That is going to be an undertaking from what I read.

I could hand you tools.

[RX-7 Chris]

As cool as that would be, I don't think it would be a good idea. You are better off doing a 5.0 out of a late 80s to early 90s mustang. If you want to get something wild, go with a 5.8 or even a stroked motor. That would get you good fuel injection and a motor that would bolt right in.

[Huzer]

Seeing pictures of the car (it's somewhat buried in the garage right now) made me remember how much I dislike the wheels. I'm leaning towards some ARE VN527 wheels right now. I was thinking Torq Thrusts at first, but those seem like they're on nearly every 60s muscle car that isn't rocking OEM style wheels. I still like them and may eventually go that route as well.

[RX-7 Chris]

I like those wheels.

[Huzer]

Wheel options I've narrowed down to. The above VN527. And the VN500 (Magnum 500 knockoffs that are aluminum) and Torq Thrusts.

[RX-7 Chris]

I'd say go with the VN527. Torq Thrusts are nice but so over done.

[Huzer]

I like the VN527s as well...the only downside is that now that I've realized those are on every Eleanor clone in existence. I can't stand Eleanor clones.

[Huzer]

After going for a drive yesterday, it was a reminder how much this car needs. Yikes! Definitely a long term project, but it's still a cool car. I pop open the garage door and smile when I look at it. I definitely need to take care of the exhaust and clutch soon. I'm working up the courage to place the first large order.

[RX-7 Chris]

Let me know if you end up needing any help working on that stuff when you get it.