MIDLIFE CLASSICS - 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7

1968 Mercury
Cougar XR-7

From the Owner's Personal Collection



	Bob's first and second cars were Cougars (both XR-7s). When he started getting deep into the restoration habit, he decided it was time to relive the past and get another one. This Cougar is identical to his 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), he stripped it apart - inside and out - and sent it off for a fresh coat of paint. When it returned, Bob repaired and polished all trim before reinstalling. Then, he replaced all rubber gaskets and weatherstripping. Finally, he did a full restoration of the interior. In the process, he upgraded the stereo system, added power door locks and trunk release, and treated his bad back to an in-seat heater.


	The result is a great car that looks and drives like new. He enjoys it as his always-reliable fall-back transportation when one of the more exotic cars is acting up, or when he just need something comfortable. It is very reliable - enough so that when moving from Los Angeles to Dallas, he drove this Cougar cross-country in the middle of December. It also makes a great car for multiple passengers. After having three Cougars, this one is by far the best. For Bob, the best part is listening to music that he first heard as a teenager while cruising in his first Cougar and enjoying the wave of nostalgia.


	SPECIFICATIONS

	MANUFACTURER: Lincoln Mercury MODEL YEAR: 1968 MODEL NAME: Cougar XR-7 MILEAGE: 126,895 (4/22/2012) ENGINE & TRANSMISSION: Model: Ford 302 V8 Serial #: xx Type: V8, OHV Hydraulic Lifter Horsepower: 230 (approx) Overhauled/Rebuilt: Engine @ 105,000 mi / Transmission @123,000 mi Block Casting #: xx Block Casting Date: 1979 Heads Casting #: xx Heads Casting Date: 1969 (High Output) Pistons: xx Compression Ratio: xx Camshaft: Mild Peformance Street 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 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: 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 Alarm System 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 Panel Trim 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)