Thanks Al. I’m enjoying building my what if Mercury had built a Cougar like this project. There are so many great styling ques used during the Cougars development to pull ideas from.
Steven
Looking at the fender on my project there are holes in the fender where an emblem used to be. It could be a fender from a 6.5 or a GT. I know the fender and front valance were replaced at some point because of an accident. Under the poor orange/red paint that is on the fender is white and green. I was curious as to the height and width of the GT-E fender emblem because I want to use a modified version for Top Cat.
Steven
I like the emblem insert. Care to divulge how you are going to make it?
Jody the insert will be pretty straight forward using reproduction GT-E emblems. The insert backing will be aluminum and the lettering will be vinyl. I will do the lettering on our sign machine and then transfer everything to the aluminum insert which will be held in place with thin 2 sided tape.
Steven
Holy cow Stephen, we must be psychically linked somehow! 
I think I did most of your build about four years ago but sadly it’s only 80% done due to some medical issues the last few years. It was interesting reading through the build and seeing how someone else approach everything, a lot of it was the same!! The rear valance for instance. 
Regards,
Chris
Very cool Chris I love the look of the rear valance. I can’t wait to see my parts in paint… It’s been a slow process. I’ll snap a picture of my rear valance with the new reverse lights and the full trim rings for the trumpet tips to get a good visual. The build that you are doing is this your XR7G tribute car? What other mods have you done?
Steven
If figured I’d give an update seeing it’s been a while. My wife is back in school and our youngest has started school so time working on the Cougar has been limited. Front fenders, hood, hood scoop, front and rear valance are in primer and sealer.
Today at lunch I did a quick mock of of my GT-E inspired G-TC fender emblem inserts. While I was working on the computer making the “G-TC” (G-Top Cat) inserts I figured I’d make a walking Cougar frame to get the full visual.
I used 3M engineer grade vinyl and this is what I came up with:
I’m still kicking around ideas for the trunk lock cover. I am thinking of going with a Cougar #1 inspired walking Cougar on a black background.
Maybe even a walking Cougar or a “G-TC” on a red background as a nod to the XR7-G Red latch cover.
Any idea thoughts or input are welcome.
Steven
The front valance looks awesome! As for the trunk lid emblem, I forget, what color will the car be? If it’s a dark color, I’d go with a walking cat on the red background. That would really pop.
Looking good Steven. The one thing I noticed is your walking cat on the decal looks a little thick in places. Makes him look like he has hooves in the back and a Jay Leno chin.
Holy Cow Steven - I don’t know how I’ve missed this thread.
Terrific work!!
- Phillip
Some really good ideas and craftsmanship.
your car is coming along and looking good.
I need to get back to mine it has been sitting, waiting,
DE Mick
Jody I’m going to paint my Cougar white. I have always thought white shows off the classic lines of the Cougar very well. I’m really leaning towards the walking Cougar on the black background. I might make one of each color and see what looks better from 3-4 feet away.
Al my “thick cat” was a quick mock up I did during lunch. I can thin it up in my vector drawing in the sign program. I could use some help form you if you have time to give me some measurements of your GT-E emblem. Overall Height and width of the emblem. Then the height and width of the walking Cougar and the 7.0 Litre insert.
Thanks Philip.
Thanks Mick. I really like all of the different elements of the 1st generation Cougars design. From the prototype ideas to production. I’m just trying to blend a little of each into Top Cat. It’s my “what if” Mercury Cougar.
Steven
Sure, I’ll measure that for you today.
Thank you
Steven
These were done with a ruler since I didn’t have any calipers handy. They should be pretty close. If you need better let me know.
The stand where the insert goes is 4 3/8" x 1 3/8". The inside dimensions are 4 1/8" x 1 3/16".
The length of the cat measured from his front paw to the back is 3 5/8". His height to the top of his head is 1 1/4". Height to the top of the tail 1 3/8"
Hope this helps.
Thanks Al that’s a big help.
Hi Steven, no not the G tribute, I sold that a while back to help pay for this new project. It looks like we are “almost” on the same path but I’m reluctant to post pictures due to the rarity of the car until it’s closer to being restored and not let the cat out of the bag so to speak. 
I very rarely have time to visit this forum but will update when I can.
Keep us posted, your cat looks awesome so far.
Cheers,
C.
Love the things you’re doing. On the white car I would do the walking cat with a black background.
I know it’s been a while since I posted an update so here are a couple of before and after pictures of the gauge lenses that I polished.
Here are a couple of pictures of the Trumpet Tips that I will be using for the “GT-E prototype look”.
Steven
Great job on polishing the lenses!