In August I bought my mom’s Cougar back the family friend who has owned it since 1984. 91,000 on the odometer. It has set covered in a garage since 2018. New paint and new top. Only used by the friend for parades and weddings. I almost wrecked this in the rain when I was sixteen. My life flashed before my eyes as my mom would have killed me! I keep this car in San Diego, at my dad’s house. I’m getting it road worthy so it can be used when we visit San Diego. This forum has been helpful with tips and information. Since it is the “base” model I am going to keep it as original as possible. So far I have replaced the water
pump, coolant hoses, and rear brakes. Have also rebuilt carb ( 2 barrel), flushed rusty coolant, added gear oil to rear axle, and serviced FMX transmission. I’m saving all original parts for possible rebuild/reuse. It is now safe to drive. Need to rebuild front and rear suspension. Also leaks from valve cover, pinion seal, transmission shift shaft, and the A/C doesn’t have a belt on it. All this old tech mechanical issues are right up my alley. I will post my progress as I go. I will try to remember to take pictures.
Very nice!
Nice looking phat cat 
Very nice and it must be very sentimental to you.
Nice looking '71. Next thing to do is to check the DOT date codes on the tires. While they may look good, but rubber deteriorates whether it’s used or not.
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/how-do-i-determine-the-age-of-my-tires?
Thanks for the suggestion. I have already planned to replace the rear tires that were made in 2004. I’ll keep the fronts as they we made in 2018 and are not showing signs of cracking. I actually have the receipt for the purchase of the front tires, I have been contemplating replacing all 4 with 15x7 Magnum 500s. Would store original wheels and hub caps. Wil check your link to Tire Rack, thanks,
The Magnum 500’s look great on the 71-73’s imo!
I do like the looks of Magnum 500s on the 71/73 Cougars. I put American Racing Wheel 5 spokes on the 71 I use to have.
Love it
Yes, lots of memories. Mom passed 23 years ago
Nice looking car!
Welcome Alanon2Wheels to the CCA forum! Your mom’s Cougar is a nice looking original time capsule cat!
CatsRock those Keystones look good on your black on black vert! Looks a bit like Magnum 500’s.