Bob I just saw your post and that is an interesting fact about burl wood. I’ve learned something new today. Thanks for the kind words, I’m really pleased with the way the dash has turned out so far.
Steven
I’ve been super busy with family and work so my convertible project progress has been slow, but at least I’m still getting things done. Here is an update on the latest item that I’ve been working on, the center grille “nose” section. I purchased this red section because I was missing the center emblem section and the aluminum trim pieces. I can’t complain because with shipping everything was less than $30.
After removing the trim to transfer to the center section I’ll be using I decided to do a slight modification that most people won’t even notice except for the Cougar faithful. The aluminum center section behind Mercury’s head was faded so I changed it out.
Keeping with the theme of my build, I’m doing a blacked out XR7S grille with my thin custom made horizontal grille bars. I wanted the center trim piece to be blacked out as well void of the seven silver trim bars under Mercury’s head. I made an aluminum insert and then covered it in engineer grade vinyl.
Here is the finished product. It’s a subtle change but I think it worked out well for what I was trying to accomplish.
Steven
Well done and very creative!
Another item that I’ve been working on is the lock latch cover for the trunk. I like the one off latch cover that was used on Cougar #1 before Jaguar sued Ford Motor Company forcing the change to the wording “COUGAR”. Here is a tip of my hat to Cougar #1 and the designers that did the logo that could not be used.
I started by making a paper template which I then used to make the aluminum insert. After a lot of filing with a metal file the insert fit the trunk latch well.
I then printed and cut the vinyl walking Cougar logo decal on Roland Versaworks / Signlab-10 sign program and then I mounted it to the aluminum insert. I copied the walking Cougar off of the internet so I hope whoever designed it won’t be upset 
. I really like this rendition of the walking Cougar.
Here is my finished trunk latch insert.
Steven
Nice! Be sure to post a picture when you have it mounted and complete.
Bravo again Steven, love the detailed work you are doing!
Nice!
Today I did some work on our sign computer and made some G-TC fender badge decals. I know they aren’t the same as the actual GT-E fender badges but it’s custom, cost effective and they will match the trunk latch insert I made. Here are some pictures.
Steven
I would move the dot so it reads GT.C
Agreed…move the dot…unless, of course, this car is going to be a 5.0 TurboCharged G car…
I started another topic covering the restoration of the XR7G mirror I’ll be using on this project.
I’ll also copy those post and put them here in this thread as well.
Steven
The outer portions of the remote cables have slipped in their indents.
I’ll look at the best way of securing it once I get it disassembled.
Steven
I had a chance today to work on getting the mirror disassembled. It took a little finesse to get the cables loose from the remote assembly. After that was done I was able to slide the cables through the adapter base and then the mirror housing.
Next step is bead blasting to remove the paint.
Steven
Well I’m happy to report that the bead blasting went well. The paint came off with ease and no distortion to the pot metal housing. It now has a coat of epoxy primer and next up is a fresh coat of paint.
Steven
Here is the XR7G mirror and the base adapter with a fresh coat of black paint.
Steven
I started reassembling the mirror yesterday. I’m pleased with the way everything turned out so far.
Steven
Keeping with my build theme of using styling ques from other first generation Prototypes or production Cougars. I fabricated a set of XR7S style taillight bars. Here is what the bars look on the XR7S prototype unit.
Here is a picture of my taillight bars installed on my taillights.
Steven
Hey, you can’t just toss that out there without telling us HOW you done did it, mister!!! C’mon, MAN!!!
Dang I wish I had that kind of game. Very well done!!!
Just stop, will you! Leave something for the rest of us to do. 