I am about to start restoring my 1967 cougar. I got this car from my dad when I was 15. I am now 35 and I want to restore it will my 3 boys. There are a lot of things that I don’t know and I would welcome some wisdom and advice. I have a 289 and 3 speed manual trans. I am not sure if I should get a crate engine or rebuild the one I have. The engine is not original. I wpuld like to add some power but dont want to gonover board. Not building a race car just a weekend deiver with the boys. Here is my list of priorities to tackle first.
Engine (rebuild or new)
Transmission 3 speed (grid in 1st) (rebuild or new)
Concert brakes from drum to disc. Front & Back? Can I replace the rear end and kill 2 birds with one stone?
Good project to get boys involved with. What are their ages? I got my start at 15 with a 1952 Studebaker that I put a Cadillac engine in. As far as the Cougar the body work needs to go to #1. Get the body and suspension in shape before building an engine. I find I do better on projects when I focus on one area at a time. Body is the foundation and needs to be solid especially if there is rust to deal with.
Looks like a fun project, especially when there is a clear, definitive goal in mind to which one’s children can to participate. The feeling of accomplishment on seeing it back as intended. On the turnpikes. Some words of advice is what I have gathered from my own continuing project. Get a Ford Factory service manual. Such references contain valuable information as to construction, specifications, procedures and diagnostics. You can never have enough photographs as these also will be advantageous in documenting the vehicle. Clean the car and all areas as thoroughly as you possibly can prior to the initial documentation/disassembly. By pressure/steam pressure washing the engine bay, wheel wells, suspension, brakes, steering, rear axle and undercarriage it will make the process going forward that much easier. Try to eliminate surprises early in the initial disassembly when components are being assessed and cataloged so that parts that cannot be refurbished may be allocated into the budget. This also applies to components you may wish to send off for refinishing such as plating or anodizing. Have an order of assembly if doing a full rebuild; the 1st component to go on was the last one removed. If a component rebuild, then keep the car assembled much as practical.
safety items first, brakes, etc. Keep in mind all the advantages of today’s world, like electronic ignition, fuel injection, and an over drive transmission! Since you already have a manual trans car, why not upgrade to a T5? Then you can run a performance rear gear, and still get some decent mileage. Regarding your desire for rear disc brakes, there are certain Explorer rear ends that will convert easily, that have a better gear ratio and disc brakes to begin with.
Crate engines are a great way to go if you can just write a check. If you have the skills, you can rebuild one for a lot less, depending on where your power goals end up.
Also, where are you located? There might be another enthusiast from this board nearby with stuff you need.
