I’ll try that WD-40 method next time, I bet it’ll prove to be more resistant to rust.
I wish there was a cost effective kit to be able phosphate coat things yourself in the home garage, because that would definitely be my go to.
I cant think of a single piece of window trim that wasnt restored or replaced, along with new seals…
Most of the metal just needed a thorough cleaning, but all seals needed replacing
Seal conditions looked like this for the most part:
After some steel wool and replacing the seal:
I throughly cleaned all window rollers by soaking in a heavy coating of white lithium grease and rotating the wheels unitl all the junk came out and everything was turning freely. After wiping it clean, I then used sil-glyde for pretty much all the grease applications in the window rollers and tracks. I also applied a light coating with my finger to all seals to keep the rubber supple.
Quarter windows after cleaning and new seals:
Restored drip rails, (thanks WCCC) and new hockey stick trim (thanks Bill!):
Weatherstrip retainers were in good condition but it did take alot of goo gone and elbow grease to clean them up. I purchased a roll of 1" foam padding from Amazon for the backing. It worked wonderfully:
Installing them went smoothly
Here’s a look at all those new/restored shiny trim pieces. Also swapped out door handles for the quality repros.
Interior carpeting and seats went in next. I was lucky enought that the underlayment I had put togehter was just about the right collective height to ensure fitment of the carpeting was right.
Rear package tray went in with the speaker covers for my 6x9 JBLs. I also ended up mounting a small NVX VADM4v2 4-Channel Class D Amplifier where the defroster would go in the package tray. The sound quality difference was night and day with this addition. The retrosound headunit built in amplifier p[roduced a very hollow sound. Here’s an early off the setup, still need to clean up the wiring. I ran power through the passenger side and audio cables through the driver to avoid any potential alternator/power wine. Created a wood adapter plate that bolted to the package tray and allowed me to mount the amplifier to it. Without actually getting into the trunk, the amplifier is invisible.
Rear interior panels went in followed by the back rest and instalaltion of the restored seatbelts.
A clear shot with the back seats completed
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I spent some time freshening up the interior colors. Everything had to be degreased and cleaned before respraying.
I used SEM’s Vinyl prep for alot of the interior pieces, allowing the vinyl to relax a bit and alow the color to absorb.
I then used OER’s Mustang Red interior color can, followed up by SEM’s low luster clear. I am thrilled with the final result. Color sticks well, is durable and the low luster clear really leaves the vinyl looking original with great texture.
Replaced the felt and wind laces throughtout the interor, another “while I’m at it”:
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Front seats came next. I had to do a deep clean of the vinyl and upholstery. You can see the difference between the dirty (top of image) and cleaned (bottom of image) sections of the vinyl. I steam cleaned the actual fabric and then started putting everything in.
I installed all new hardware and rubber washers/spacers on the seats to make sure there was no “lean”. Everything came out tight and firm.
I also put in new repro door sill plates as you can see in the images.
Added a passenger side mirror as well with riv nuts and the proper fasteners.
Took note of all the strip caulk locations in the manual and reapplied as noted…
Looks like it just rolled out of the lot for the first time
…
I later noticed that I had the 1967 door lock buttons installed (you can see them in the last image)… purchased the 68 version and replaced them. I also put in the arm rest plastic plugs in after the fact.
Stay tuned for more!!!
To me to the most beautiful part of the restoration process is putting your bolt on components back on. It’s so satisfying seeing things come together after you’ve labored over all the difficult and time intensive jobs.
The previously restored tail lights being installed on the car…
Moved swiftly along to installing the rear quarter extensions, with all the appropriate trims and seals
New “Cougar” scripts on both quarter panels:
Rear reflectors:
Rear valance went on next along with the restored reverse lights, new gaskets, new lens covers, and LED bulbs:
Rechromed bumper installed to complete most of the back end look:
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It’s been some time since my last post. Since then got alot done on the Cougar and I even got hitched in it! Have some final things to tackle, like the AC and some decaling, but I will likley be putting the car up on Bring A Trailer later this year once all done. I love the car, love the project, but I’m excited to start on my next project. I want to make sure it goes to a home where it is well taken care of and appreciated. If any initial interest, please feel free to DM me. If you’re seeing this, the whole restoration project was documented so you know what you’ll be getting 
. Here’s a teaser of what it looks like.
It looks great - and congratulations!
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