So, I’m flying to see a '67 Cougar (Coupe) in 2 weeks. I’ve watched the excellent ‘Buying Guide’ videos on YouTube–makes my head spin, but I’m creating a check-list to take with me.
Still, I’m soliciting the community for any tips on a ‘restored’ cougar. They owner does not proclaim the car to be all-original, nor matching numbers.
Thoughts? Opinions? Tips?
Thanks in advance!
Glenn
Regardless of the car itself, first, understand what you are looking for. Do you want a daily driver, a project car, a trailer queen? Judge the outcome of your inspection (and independent inspection) and the price you are willing to pay (or take a pass) based upon that desire.
For my ongoing convertible conversion project, I accepted from the beginning that this was a serious project. But that is what I wanted. Therefore my purchase of a car that was poorly repainted, has a barely running 2V-289, and with rotted trunk drop-offs was no problem at the right price.
A previous purchase was for a daily driver that I could use now. It that case, I wanted little or no work to be required (tires OK) but had an absolute price limit. Very different wants for this buy.
These experiences have been extremely different but I was sure in each case that it was what I desired so long-term no issues with either purchase.
I would look everywhere for rust. Under the trunk mat, around the gas tank, under a vinyl top. If there is rust run from the car. There is always a lot more than you can see.
Requests photos and running videos from the seller and post to this forum. The community here will be able to access the vehicle to assist you with your buying decision. If the seller can’t for any reason, when you see the vehicle, you should post photos you want further analysis of.
Mercury Cougar For Sale - BaT Auctions (bringatrailer.com)
This will provide you data for what these vehicles are selling for. You will learn what values are added/subtracted for engine sizes, options and modifications. Also, review the comments section for what is being discussed. In some cases these vehicles get picked apart for issues which may assist when you look at your car.
Good luck!
Buy a paint thickness gauge and check all the normal areas for rust covered in bondo. Make sure you look at the pinchwelds between panels for being too smooth from bondo. If you can see the dimples from factory spot welds, that’s good news. Make sure you pull the trunk mats and look in the drop offs. Many shops don’t repair rust correctly. Lap joints are a breeding ground for rust. Butt joints are the only thing that’s appropriate if it’s an actual restoration. Undercoating in abundance is what hacks use to hide bad repair. View thick undercoating skeptically
Watch the video and read the replies to this forum post if you haven’t yet.
Unfortunately there are no short cuts. Gather all of the information you can by physically inspecting the car then with no bias evaluate the facts and figure out the best you can what has taken place over the years to the car and how it is presented today. It takes me 4 1/2 hours to go through a car and that is without mechanical checks not a drive. Could it be done quicker - of course - bu tit would yield you less information which equals greater risk IMHO.
In other cases I’ve purchased cars in ten minutes when a few key factors were met and the price was cheap so the risk in terms of cost was diminished
Your looking for ANYWHERE signs of rust, rust through, panel replacement, panel damage, cheap or dangerous repairs and operation. Can’t be specific to any one ares since if you focus on those areas then you will likely miss or over look others. Owners and repair shops can get very creative at how terrible they will choose to repair things, especially when they think “no one would ever look here” or how good they can be other times hiding and covering up things.
Don’t let the sellers comments and claims influence you. The facts are the facts. Have had sellers make up phony receipts, documents and so on so just don’t accept them at face value. At the same time you don’t have to tell them that you don’t believe them. Its not your job to do almost any of the talking.
Not sure the value of the purchase your making is but if it were me and I was looking at something I was not really familiar with than it was for a decent amount I would get help.