Quick question…if I go and look at a '70 Eliminator, how can I confirm it’s a real Eliminator by looking at it? Is there a code in the door data plate? Anything?
Thanks…
There is a thread some place here or on MC.net that explains how to confirm if it is an eliminator. Im sure it will pop up shortly.
Found it, here is the link for the info you need.
http://www.theclassiccougarnetwork.com/elim/defin/defin.html
Thanks! I was searching with no luck…Andy
Great info…Thanks again!
Good luck
That is indeed a great site, with lots of useful information. But there’s one thing about it that I seriously question: The claim that '70 Eliminators could be factory equipped with either a 351W or 351C 4V engine. Yes, plenty of non-Eliminators came with 351W 2V engines in '70, but I’ve never, ever, seen a factory-produced example of a 351W 4V in any 1970 model vehicle, much less an Eliminator. The text below is what I’m referring to. Anybody know the source of that information? It would be very interesting to see the documentation to back it up.
ELIMINATOR OPTION COMPONENTS (PERFORMANCE)
During the 1970 model year, the Eliminator option package included an upgrade from the standard Cougar 351 2V Cleveland engine to the 300 horsepower four barrel version of the 351C, however, some Eliminators received 351 Windsor 4V engines due to shortages of the Cleveland engine. If an Eliminator buyer wanted more horses under the hood, several optional power plants were available. The “Code” column in the chart below refers to Ford’s VIN and data plate engine codes. Horsepower figures below engine designations are factory gross ratings.
.
CODE: ENGINE: NOTES:
G Boss 302
(290@5800 RPM) Optional engine. In Cougars, a Boss 302 engine was only available with the Eliminator option.
M 351W 4V
(290@4800 RPM)
351C 4V
(300@5400 RPM) Standard Eliminator engine. In 1970 this could have been either the Windsor or the Cleveland version of the 351, depending on build date and availability.
Q CJ/SCJ 428 4V
(335@5200 RPM) Optional engine. In 1970 all CJ428 engines were given the Q code, whether or not they came with ram-air induction.
Well I looked at it and it’s definitely an Eliminator…pretty good shape, rust on doors, little rust under back window, little rust on left A pillar, no rust on left A pillar. Everything is there, runs decent and sat for four years. Did not notice a chin spoiler, 351C has aftermarket intake, carb and distributor. Interior is perfect, but missing radio. Original paint was grabber blue but now it’s bright yellow with correct stripes and lettering. No data plate in door jam…supposed to be there? I want it…but unfortunately we could not agree on price…it’s worn and torn, faded…but still good…I think his price is too high. Soooooo, I left it. I still want to negotiate a little more, hopefully we will, but for now, I’m sick…
Andy
Couple more questions…could a '70 Eliminator have an engine code “H”? Also, would the hood be cut open under the hood scoop? Round shape the size of a filter?
Thanks again,
Andy
No “H” code Eliminators. The hood would only be cut on a 428 ram air car.
Update: I see Jeff answered this while I was typing, but anyway:
No, there were no “H” code Eliminators. Only “M”, “G” and “Q”, plus “S” and “R” in '69 only.
The only '69 -'70 Cougars with a functional scoop were 428CJ/SCJ cars with the ram-air option. On those, the cut out was a kind of squared-off oval shape, approximately 1/2 the size of the air cleaner. The big round-shaped hole you describe is definitely not factory.
Andy:
If you go back to look, be sure to verify that the 4V heads are still in place. Aftermarket parts could be there because the original motor was trashed and someone dropped a 2V Cleveland in its place. That would have a significant impact on the value.
As for the door data plate, yes it should be there. But the '70 tags were plain paper, and didn’t hold up well. So its not uncommon for them to be missing.
Finally, whatever $ figure you have in mind for rust repair, double it. Whatever rust is showing now is sure to be worse once you get into it, especially on a car that’s already a total repaint. I don’t want to be discouraging, but go into the deal with your eyes open.
BTW, if you don’t mind, tell us a little more about the car. Which interior did it have? Any interesting options?
I think you are correct on the 4V heads and was thinking the same, you are not being discouraging and I do appreciate all your info and suggestions. This unfortunately is starting to look like the owner bought a clone…unknowingly! He bought it from California and is sure it’s a Eliminator. But I know it’s a H code. I bought a Marti report and hopefully will get it in a couple days…will share it so you can see the options and real deal I guess…I hope I’m wrong on this guy being duped with a clone, seems like a good guy…Thanks again, Andy
I ordered the cheap/quick Marti and got it emailed this morning. This is not an Eliminator. It’s an H code with FMX automatic, original White with Blue interior. So, either this owner was unaware he bought a clone, or trying to pass off to me as an Eliminator. Will sit on this for awhile and try again later…am I still interested? yeah! It’s a nice Cougar with a 4 speed…but as CJ750 said earlier…value changed significantly…
Sure do appreciate you folks and this forum!
Andy
Andy:
Thanks for the update. Just curious: was the car originally an XR-7, or a standard? If a standard, does it now have the XR-7/Eliminator gauge package? If it was an XR-7, have the interior door panels, seat upholstery, etc. been changed out to pieces that would have been available in an Eliminator?
Stripes and spoilers are easy. Getting the details right on an Eliminator clone is difficult. I’ve yet to see one that didn’t have at least one tell-tale give away.
Jay
According to Marti, it’s a standard coupe. But it does have the entire guage package, as far as door panels and upholstery I would not know. The interioris all black and in excellent condition…headliner and sails included, with a console. Marti also said it has a trac lok and console from factory…
Andy
Sorry…removed post…Andy
Have you informed the seller that the car is not an Eliminator? If he is unaware that may be the leverage you need if you still want to buy the car. Of course if he was trying to scam you it won’t help.
Thanks for posting the Marti info.
Its kinda interesting to see that whoever ordered the car originally was willing to spring for an automatic transmission, power steering, power discs and a console, but not air conditioning. Especially in a “warm weather” market like southern California.
The only really remarkable thing though is the traction-lok differential. Very unusual, in my experience, to see that without some evidence that the car was otherwise ordered with either high-performance or towing in mind. (Optional engine, heavy-duty suspension, manual transmission or such.)
That’s one of the things I like about these old cars though: All the variety that resulted from being able to pick and and choose options pretty much at will, rather than being forced to pick from a small handful of option “packages” as is typically the case today.
I’ll put all the info to the owner when I talk to him next…you’re right…may or may not help, LOL