Went over the ignition system and everything checked out good. Removed all the plugs as well as I’m trying to get to the bottom of the diesel run on condition. While I had the plugs out I took a look in each cylinder with the Milwaukee camera. I found some pretty good carbon buildup in some of the cylinders that’s been there a long time. The last time this car was ran was all leaded gas. So, I got some Sea foam and GM top end cleaner and put on a smoke show 
. Actually think the Sea foam worked better. After a couple of cleanings the Diesel/run on condition is gone. I still have some ping under load, but it only seems like a couple of cylinders, so will have to see if driving it some will improve this. Set the timing at 10 degrees and that seemed like a little much, so I backed it down to 8 degrees and the advance is working correctly. Drove it around the neighborhood for about eight miles at low speeds as I don’t trust the sears tires. If I’m looking at the DOT numbers correctly 133 means about March 1973.
Got the paint all polished up and got the original hub caps out of the trunk and installed them. Still working on the chrome trim and around the jams, but so far everything is cleaning up nicely.
Man, those hubcaps are in great shape! Car is looking good, thanks for sharing pics.
Correct I agree… That’s half the reason I haven’t dived right into it cleaning it up and work on getting it running. I’ve kind of stepped back going to take it a little at a time thinking it over first to make sure to keep the survivor part while making it presentable. It’s amazing to think that it has survived all these years basically untouched and in such good condition. I don’t want to disturb that.[/quote]
You are a wise man. Patina is “in”, and that car’s got loads of it, in just the right places and in just the right amounts. More knowledge there than in several books…
The AACA developed a class for judging to encourage folks to leave cars in the original (if a bit worn) state, vs. performing restorations. It’s called HPOF (Historic Preservation of Original Features), and it is one of the most popular classes. It’s a way for owners of preserved vehicles to win top awards while preserving the original state of the vehicle as much as possible. I (and many others) spend most of our time at these shows perusing that class. It’s amazing to see.
I wonder if the CCOA has had any thoughts/discussion along these lines? Like attracting younger folks to the hobby, it’s crucial to pay attention to and preserve these types of vehicles.
I encourage you (& everyone) to check it out Brian: http://aaca.org/index.php[/quote]
The CCOA has had an Unrestored class for many years for cars such as this 69 XR-7. This class has been in place since at least sometime in the 1990s. Most of the National shows held over the years have offered this class.
Great looking car Brian. You are doing a great job of preserving it.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95
Yeah. Cool car in nice original condition. Love the color!
The Cougar is still having carb issues, so I pulled off the Autolite for a rebuild this winter. I put a 650 Holley on it I had laying around just to keep it mobile so I could put it away for the winter. That really woke it up, and it will do a one wheel peel on a roll for as long as you want 
Have the Cougar done for now and will get some new tires for it next spring and install the styled steel wheels on it. I have it bagged up and put away now to open up the garage space to start on the 67 Cougar. A PAIR OF SEVEN'S and a 1/2 - Classic Cougar Community Discussion - Classic Cougar Community Forum
Man, that is a good looking car! I just put mine to bed for the winter too (darn wet weather), so let the projects begin…or resume!