So after lurking and asking a few questions here and there, I’ve decided to start a thread on my car and it’s progress. Not too much at the moment, but should take some leaps forward in the next few months.
I’ve had my car since October. I searched in Louisiana and the very few cars I found had more rust than I was ready to take on. Searched for Texas cars in decent shape and they were out of my price range. I broadened my search area and found one in Georgia that met my main criteria (standard transmission, black interior, minimal rust damage and to sweeten the deal it has AC). So, I took a Greyhound to Meridian, Mississippi and then hopped on the Amtrak to Atlanta to pick up my Cougar. Drove it from Woodstock, Ga back to Ruston, La without a hiccup – other than the sidewall of the tires rubbing the fender lips on every bump…the backspacing was pretty off on some 10-hole universals that were on it.
I bought the car with intention of undoing what a previous owner had done. The car had undergone some questionable changes, in my opinion. The most noticeable of these changes was the paint color. The car had a maroon base (which I would have been good with), but added in with that was a TON of metallic flake. The car was originally Tiffany Blue, so I am not too sure what the reason was for the change. Ah, to each his own. The biggest bummer is that my dash, steering column, and ENGINE BAY were also painted in the maroon flake. Also there were a few other things such as a rather sloppy job on the driver’s floor pan where, instead of replacing it as a whole, two small pieces were cut out and new patches welded in.
First things first, I had to locate some wheels that wouldn’t rub to get my by temporarily. Found some '04 Mach 1 wheels an hour away with two tires at about 70% tread life. I sold the center caps for $40. Paid $100 for spacers to use and $60 for two used tires.
I planned to start stripping and priming parts and succeeded with the trunk and hood. After discovering my deck lid had a sizable dent and more filler than I liked, I decided to replace it. I went with a '69 lid since the latch cover always bugged me when turning my key to pop the trunk.
I got pretty bogged down with school and work and decided to contact a buddy who does great work. His most recent project was a chevy that he shaved, bagged, tubbed, and tucked 28 inch wheels on. It isn’t my style (no worries, this car isn’t getting bigger than 17’s), but he said he would strip and prime the rest for me… at a super cheap price. While sitting at the shop, his dad, an incredible painter, offered to buy the car from me. I wasn’t interested in selling. He then offered to cut me a super deal on paint and body. This was awesome because I had planned to get him to do it all along. Now the car is at his shop and I am trying to pull funds together to pay it off! 
I’m selling one of my guitars (Rickenbacker 360) which is a bummer, but car trumps guitar collection. I mean, I can’t pass up this deal to get the most expensive thing done for a fraction of the cost.
So, with all that being said, here are some pics.
The car on my first day of ownership:
Before going to the shop:
Interior:
Can’t wait to have it back and on the road! After paint floor-pans, carpet, and dynamat are next. Then on to wheels. I’m looking at Coy’s. Any recommendation on backspacing? I have read mixed but would really like to keep close to what is proper.
Thanks guys!
Using the car as a stress reliever is a good idea. Everything is looking good so far. 