Tach is for a Boss 302 Eliminator, or possibly from a late '70 model, when they were using up inventory and putting 8K tachs in Cougars with other engines.
Not quite sure what needs explaining, but as far as the wheels in the above pics, they are not unpainted steel. Ford and Mercury produced that style of wheel with either a chrome or painted finish, depending on the intended application. The pictured wheels are painted an argent (silver) color that was used on wheels installed on '69 Eliminators, among others.
The side panel is incorrect for a '69 Eliminator, but the seat looks right.
Well. If they used an 8000 tach then maybe they used different door panels. ?? Everything else seems to lead me back to the Eliminator.
Or previous owner found a boss 302 in salvage yard and bought all the Eliminator parts?
Maybe. I’m at a loss. I’ve found some great pictures from when Ed had it painted in 1992…but I’ve found no additional paperwork.
I would like some referrals for body work and a fabulous paint job.
It’s still a kick ass car!
PM sent. For a painter & body repair.
did you find the build sheet yet?
did your husband know the previous owner he bought it from? maybe he has some info.
you could join local cougar club and get local references from other members https://www.catsccc.com
I agree, I would love to have that car even without knowing the it’s history.
Did you hear back from Phil Parcells yet?
I’ve been searching for the build sheet all day.
I live in a town of 700…only 1 other Eliminator I know of 20 miles away…farmer has had it sitting out side since he bought it. I’ll look! Never know 
No question that they installed several authentic 1969 Eliminator parts, along with some pieces that are neither for a '69 Eliminator nor the parts installed on the car at the assembly line. Or even for a '69 Cougar at all. The question is who “they” are and when they did it. My money is firmly on a scenario more like the one Thunderchero describes than a post-assembly-line Eliminator conversion by Lincoln-Mercury. But without any evidence one way or another, its all just speculation.
Regardless, I’m in 100% agreement that its an extremely cool, very rare car with a unique history, whatever it may be. I look forward to learning more and to seeing it restored.
Actually getting hook up with a body guy now Pretty exciting!!
So, …what the pill on me painting this baby oil slick black?
I don’t like the original muted yellow. No offense to that color.
I’m not going to diminish the value since I’ll never sell.
The best would be to get the story from “C. Jones”
Here is an idea, I found this page on facebook for Ford employees.
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=ford%20employees
it has 3 groups I would contact 1 admin from each group and ask if they would ask around if any one knew a C. Jones that worked in production engineering department room 1150 building 5 R&E
I would not never give up if I was in your place, even if I had to hire a private detective lol
The girl I talked to today at Ford didn’t even know what a cougar was!
I’m on a mission!!
until you know the story behind this car you might want to hold on to that motor.
what if they were test fitting the Cleveland for the 1970 model year?
I’ve been discussing that with a fellow Cougar lover. I tried to find the block serial number today. But all I got was greasy. If not else I now have 2 fabulous engines! Once my nephew pulls the Cleveland we’ll be able to read the numbers.
Thanks!
I mean, wouldn’t THAT be incredible?!
How many 1969 Cougars had the 351 Cleveland?!?!
to be honest I doubt if R&D would stamp a VIN on a motor they test fitted, but if it has a different VIN it would be doubtful R&D installed it.
but on other hand since ford later sold vehicle who knows they may have stamped it?
also casting numbers and date stamps from engine might shed some light to when engine was made to rule out if it was done in R&D.
Jay, or anyone else with knowledge,
How much do we know about the car in your photo that is believed to be a pre-production Eliminator? What makes you think that it is not the same car as Michelle now has?
Michelle,
Perhaps you could check to see if the left door mirror base and/or the spoiler pedistals have chrome under the yellow paint? Having chrome on the mirror base would not be too unusual and could be explained. Having chrome on the spoiler pedistals would be a lot harder to explain.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95