(http://www.coolcats.net/eric/images/retro052307_01.jpg)
My new Light Cadet Blue Metallic Clearcoat 1984 Cougar GS with the 3.8 V6. :)
This is almost 100% identical to my first car. It has nearly all original equipment and paint. To say it's "preserved" is a massive understatement...this car is just unbelievable. The paint is like a mirror. There's no rust. It even smells good inside! And, although I usually never divulge this kind of information, I'll make an exception here...
(http://www.coolcats.net/eric/images/retro052307_02.jpg)
(http://www.coolcats.net/eric/images/retro052307_03.jpg)
(http://www.coolcats.net/eric/images/retro052307_04.jpg)
(http://www.coolcats.net/eric/images/retro052307_05.jpg)
...not bad for $500 US, eh? :flip:
Now here's where it gets interesting. I've had this car for almost a YEAR. In fact, I had it during last year's Cat Jam. I've told virtually no one about it. A few people (Ric, Karen, Will, Brian, Alex) have seen it in person. A scant few others were told some things about it, but didn't know everything (Claude LOL). The rest of you had virtually no clue that I had it--not even Carm. So...I guess it's pretty easy to keep things quiet from everyone if you try hard enough. ;) There were times that I really wanted to blurt it out but I just had to keep things hush-hush, knowing that one day there'd be a huge payoff. Well, today is that day.
My purpose for unveiling it today is three-fold: first, and most obvious, is the anniversary date. The second is the upcoming Fords@Carlisle show (June 1-3). Hopefully this will entice a few people to come out to the show. Yes, I will have TWO cars there this year. It will be the world debut for the '84, and the first appearance of the '86 there in over 3 years. So if I'm making the effort to bring not one but two Cougars, you can do it too. Even if you can't bring your car, that's alright...I hope that I can at least change one person's mind (coughcoughKARLcoughcough) about attending. Don't forget, this is the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Cougar, and we have special parking at Carlisle, so it means a lot if some additional Cat owners show up.
The third purpose is to show a massive change of heart, and to hopefully encourage some of our younger owners out there. You know, I've always said, "Make your car YOUR car." And I will never change my position on that. But how many times have we all heard from V6 owners that they "hate this engine" and "want to put a 5.0 under the hood", and so on. That happens a LOT here, on this board, you have to admit. And you have to wonder why...is it peer pressure? I think that may be the case with a lot of people.
Well guess what...I've decided that I'm KEEPING the V6 under the hood. There are absolutely no plans for a 5.0 at all. It's not because of nostalgia. It's not because I particularly like the engine. It's not because I can't swing a built V8 right now. It's because that simple gesture represents the fact that you can enjoy your car to your heart's content, and still not have a V8. Would it be nice to have one? Oh sure, no doubt. How many people here dream of V8 power when they own the V6? Lots of them, I'm sure. But that doesn't mean they love their cars any less.
And I love this frickin' car. I loved my first one to death. The love never diminished over the years. It's been 15 years since I sold the other one. And when this car fell into my lap, all those old feelings resurfaced, and I NEVER lost that love. See, I love the CAR. I don't CARE what's under the hood. I won't love the car any less with a V6 than with a V8. It's not a perfect car...but it's perfect for ME.
So you V6 guys and gals, don't let peer pressure or other people's opinions sway you. Stick to your guns. If you like your V6, if it gets the job done for you, if you're not into performance, if you can't afford a V8...then take heart. At least one of the admins here is in your corner for a long time, and will defend you. If I need to be your example then so be it. It's a show car with the V6...an uncommon combination in this day and age. Yeah, the motor can be a pain sometimes. But if it runs and propels your car then maintain it, keep it in good shape, and use it for what it was intended. I don't want this to turn into a V8-vs-V6 debate. It's just my position with this particular car which I hope will be respected.
I'll be posting more pix over the next week or so, plus even more after Carlisle. In the meantime, the site is updated with more info here (http://www.coolcats.net/eric/84gs.html).
And I've also posted a new State of the Cat, with the back story of the car, here (http://www.coolcats.net/sotc/052507.html).
I've been busting my butt getting it back into show quality for about two months now. I hope the week of suspense was worth it. :)
Congrats on the great find. Looks like you have your work cut out for you working on TWO cars for carlisle now. Good luck!
Eric, that car is gorgeous. If you don't mind me asking, where did you find it? And for $500!?
I remember seeing one on CollectorCarTrader from California a long time ago but don't think it looked anywhere near as nice.
My love for these cars as well have me convinced to continue onto Carlisle despite the issues my car has. I have a slight emissions hurdle to jump and if I get by it okay, I'll be there. Can't drive to Carlisle illegally, lol. Also depending on how things go this weekend, my car will be 'different' in some way, to be seen at the show.
Despite the rust (yes there's plenty) and despite the iffy running condition, I want to include my car in the celebration. So while it's nowhere near show worthiness such as your new '84, it will be there in all it's glory.
Can't wait to see the car in person. Congrats, it's gorgeous.
So you're going to give Ric a run for his money eh?
No doubt it's a sweet Kitty... I like the price as well...
I also agree totally with what Eric is saying... There comes a time when nice original examples should be preserved rather than modified... This is defiantly a car that fits the bill...
I HATE the dashes on those years, but that is definatley a nice Cat. and I agree too, keep it original. I loved the 3.8L in my bird. It ran great was totally reliable, (til it blew a HG) and had quite a bit of pep to it for a 3.8L. If it wasn't for the blown HG's it would still be a 3.8L car.
That looks great. Nice find. SHOW OFF!!!
Yes, I want to go to Carlisle. Yes I want to be at CatJam. Yes, I am broke at my credit card limit to boot.
Fred, I wish you the best of luck...hopefully you won't have any troubles with the ol' girl. If you do, just show up anyway. We'll have plenty of beer in the ice-laden bathtub for ya. ;)
It was never publicly advertised...the dude found my site on a web search, e-mailed me the details, and I called him right away. He said he preferred that it go to an enthusiast...well, no problem there LOL. Price-wise, I think he probably knew that it was a head gasket/cracked head problem and just wanted to get rid of the car. I wasn't arguing! It cost a few grand to get everything back into shape, but still...I'd have paid much more for the car had the problem already been fixed. Either way you shell out money. At least this way I knew things were done the right way. To get the car home we rented a tow dolly from U-Haul, flipped the car backwards, locked the steering wheel, and towed it home that way, on my Mountaineer. Worked out fine (as long as we stayed at around 50-55 mph).
I did see that one '84 from Los Angeles on CCT a few months ago...it looked sweet. I was tempted to call LOL.
I knew about it ;)
I'd just forgotten though :dunce:
That thing is pristine! I know I can't keep anything stock, so props to you for being definant in that.
I knew it! I had it right, I had it right! :P
That car DOES look great Eric, I am envious. I've wanted to start saving original ones for awhile now. Gorgeous, just gorgeous!
It may be easier to resist dropping a V8 in when you have another car sitting in the garage with a V8 ;) . But congrats on the car man, it puts mine to shame, and for a great price. And it was great that the owner was smart enough to realize he shouldn't sell it to just anyone, and instead did some looking and found someone who would take great care of such a fine specimen.
I feel so left out. It's because I have a Thunderbird, isn't it? :flip:
Very, very nice. Now if only you could have found an old grad outfit and a mullet wig to wear while posing next to it :hick:
I don't blame you for wanting to keep it stock. Truth be told I've been feeling a very slight bit of guilt for what I've done to mine. The spirit of the T-Bird (soft, plush ride) has been diminished with the poly bushings and lowered stance. It's a good deal more fun to drive, though.
I need a nice stock four-eye (with vent windows) sitting next to it to cancel out that guilt...
Carm,
How about an 84 TC Black over Smoke? :D:D
And Eric told me like 6 months ago. He bought a few things for it from me, but I was sworn to secrecy so long that my memory loss kicked in :hick:
Now if someone could find me an 87-88 V6 T-bird in good shape to preserve that would be sweet. I've always wanted one for some reason.
Oh wait I'm still kicking myself in the ass for passing on a mint red 88 V6 Bird with 39,000 miles two years ago. It was only $1,200 :punchballs:
Kick ass car btw:cougarsmily:
I dig the reflection of the 'vert in the grille shot. Very smooth.
The paint on that car is in fantastic shape. I'll be excited to see it in person.
thats a clean cougar very sweet.
SO when are you gonna find more and start spreadin the wealth? Great find, great price!
nice find very clean..
all you need now is a shave and the real long hair and it's 20 years ago for you all over again :flip::D ;)
Tree Hugger..
You should have seen him a couple months ago!
Congrats, and SAHWEET! It's awesome when things come together like that.
Some guys have all the luck. Sweet car, Eric. The PO did right.
V6 power all the way!!!!!!
I"ll be there.Bustin my A to get it there.
I'll be driving the T-Bird out to Carlisle, but not entering it in the show. Anyone know if there's a place where those of us attending but not entering our cars should park and/or meet up?
Needs some whitewalls. :D
. Now you got me wanting to go further in debt to find an '86 XR-7, Black with red leather.
Dammit, Eric, I can't afford another car payment!!!
Seriously, though, that is one SWEET ride. Dude. Doesn't matter what engine is in it. I'm just glad it found you. :)
Nice car, and that is a great color.:cougarsmily:
Now, anyone willing to save a 1988 Red Sport for 18 years?;)
Thanks for the props, guys, I appreciate it! I'm still cleaning the interior and getting a few last details completed, then (weather willing) I'll snap some more pix.
You know, Jeremy...my dad and my brother said the exact same thing LOL. I have a set of 15" turbines ready to go on...all I need is for the tires to come in, then have them mounted at the shop and install them later this week. Sorry, they'll be blackwalls. ;)
Blackwalls...is one thing, but dumping the spoked hubcabs?! Blasphemy Soon you'll be putting a 5.0 in! ;)
I didn't mention it originally, but that is quite a mint car.
I never liked cougars 2 much but your drop top is badass. As clean as that car is and for the price great find now i would only be mad if it was a Turbocoupe in that shape for $500 or a mark 8 LSC.
Thats a nice :cougarsmily: you got there Eric
It turned out beautiful Eric. If I was a guy, you know what I'd have! LOL
turbines look best on 4eye cougars. :headbang:
are you plannin any performance mods to the 3.8, or leavin it stock?
a nice split-port swap would be cool, maybe a 4.2 ;)
eric,
just saw the car, man. it's a beaut! i like the stance you take on it also. to each his own. nobody runnin' down to make a payment for you, are they. when they do then listen, maybe.... great find though....congrats
Nope, sticking with stock. It runs pretty good now...I had to dump quite a bit into new heads so I at least want to get some use out of them. My mechanic and I did some detective work; the original heads were warped AND cracked, meaning the car was repeatedly overheating and cooling down, probably on short trips. The town where I got it is very small, highest speed limit I found was 35mph. So it's likely this problem existed for 5 years or more. And we know the engine sat for awhile due to some rust deposits we found. Within a few weeks here, the engine went from noisy and rattling to almost smooth as silk, just by driving it a little. So that's fate telling me to leave well enough alone LOL.
thats a nice find, even the door molding was'nt ripped along the bottom either. Did you find a build sheet yet?
I had two 84's , one with a 3.8 leather top and the other with a 5.0. Seems like my taste for the 84 isnt so tarnished after all since looking at yours.
I feel very sad for the dozen or so sitting in my local jy, one says XR7 on the side badge where the coug should be. Its black and the 4 banger sitting there with no head.
Yeah, I did rescue the build sheet the other night, when I took the seats out for cleaning. It's not in good shape (surprise!) but everything is readable.
Congratulations on the sentimental (and clean) purchase. I have a few of those on my list.
It's refreshing to see such enthusiasm for the Fox Aero Cougar in its base, stock form. Especially coming from someone who has influence on the tone of our community.
Hey everyone, thanks for the continued kind comments. And thanks to everyone from this board that came out to Carlisle '07 and got to see the car. I really appreciate the fact that you stopped by and talked with me. I hope that the '84 has left some kind of impression on you.
And if you didn't make it to Carlisle...well, that's okay. I'll leave another impression on you now. :D
Let me start by quoting myself:
I had absolutely no idea how foretelling that statement was. I really haven't driven this car much since it's been running normally. Lots of local around-the-block test drives, a few times across town for repairs, once to work...but that's about it. So I decide to make the 250-mile trip to Carlisle my biggest test drive yet. I had faith. And , how I ever got rewarded...
Started off Friday 6/1 with a full tank of gas (20.6 gallons). We stopped 160 miles into the trip to fill up my Mountaineer, which was towing the convertible. Now the whole time, the gas gauge never dipped below Full in the '84. I decided to put gas in it, since we were stopped. It took 5.4 gallons.
That's 29.629 miles to the gallon.
I'm thinking, man...that is incredible! What is up with this car?! We went the rest of the way to Carlisle, and the car was parked at the fairgrounds all weekend. On Sunday 6/3 we stopped on the turnpike again for gas, and I said, "Hmm...maybe that was just a fluke. Let's see what we have now." We had gone another 160 miles. It took 4 gallons.
That's 40 miles to the gallon.
I'm at the pump, still saying, "Nooooooo, that just cannot be. The pump just shut off early." I crammed in another half gallon before it came spilling out of the filler neck.
Corrected, that's still 35.5 miles to the gallon.
Right now I just got home from Carlisle, there's 158 miles on the trip odometer, and it's just over 2 miles to the gas station. I'm filling it up in the morning, and then I'll get the full trip average and post it here.
Keep in mind that this is a 3.8 with fresh heads. Maybe that is making the incredible leap in fuel economy. But also remember that the car has a C5 transmission--with no overdrive. ;)
Further updates forthcoming...
Hahaha yeah, I remember filling up my car after the HO conversion for the first time and thinking "What? There's no way...." I guess these cars just get surprisingly good gas mileage.
In fact, right now I have 290 miles on my trip odometer since my last tank up. I normally run the car down to 1/4 tank, and I normally put about 12-13 gallons in. I still have a little ways till it's at a 1/4 tank, and dad and I even did 4 passes at the drag strip on this tank.
But over 30mpg is insane! I hope it keeps it up!
That's awesome Eric. My i-4 Hyundai got 30-33 mpg this trip but that's loaded down with 3 people with the AC running full song.
To do that and better in a 23 year old car is friggin awesome.
The Crown Vic gets about 19-20/gallon and I'm almost afraid to know what the Fila will get. But 40 MPG man, congrats. I kninds want a 3.8 now
My 83 got 23MPG once. I was proud, now it gets like 15MPG. My 88 with the 3.27 rear and the 5 speed was in the 30's but its got a 1/4 million miles.
With no o/d that's pretty cool.
Hey guys,
I got about 16mpg on the ride down to Carlisle, probably due to the fact that I was driving slow as heck because of the rain.. I did have my AC on for awhile so I guess that's not too bad in a car with that much HP.... Now on the way back that's a little different story...lol
I think I got about 14-15 but I did hit 120 mph a few times just to see how the car felt on the PA turnpike.... let me say all the gas I sucked down there is nothing like blowing past some Stangs.... ha ha..
shiznit I'm happy when the trip minder on mine says 16 mpg :hick:
And I forgot to say Eric's cougar's were awesome.... Nice Job...
I got 23 MPG at a cruise controlled speed you really should not go......
I ment 16 mpg in the city:D . On a steady highway cruise at ~70 mph I get 22-24 mpg, and that's with 3.73 gears.
It was rare i was traveling below 80mph, and wasnt very rare that i was doing 95+ mph, and got 26mpg
Hmm, I have 5.7 liters under the hood an it gets about 21 city. For a while when I was taking it real easy due to a blown header gasket, I was getting 24, but she'll pull 26-ish freeway. My full digi dash on the t-bird said I averaged 25 but I did mostly freeway driving.
I forgot how freaking nice and incredibly Unique Eric's vert is and when I saw the pics Pauly posted I totally remembered. The new cat looks great with the Turbines too.
OK, sorry I didn't get to this sooner. I finally filled up the '84 after the trip...160 miles, 7.4 gallons.
That's 21.62 mpg.
So for the trip, 480 miles and 17.2 gallons = 27.9 mpg.
I'm thinking on the next trip I'll try to run the tank a lot lower, maybe see if this just wasn't a fluke or something. Unfortunately I probably won't be making a lot of highway trips the rest of the summer but I promise to keep updates on the fuel economy when possible.
Yeah, so...since this is a mostly stock car I guess there aren't very many mods to show...hence the lack of updates in this thread.
But I did get a chance recently to do something that, well, nobody does anymore...
(http://www.coolcats.net/ximages/84dash03.jpg)
Let's see if the eagle eyes spot this... ;)
I'm actually toggling back and forth between the pic above and the one on the Coolcats sight and still can't see the diff.......
Is this another April Fool's:hick:
Nope, no trickery this time, it's the real deal...look closer...
hmm...
Something looks funny with the stereo... Is that an 8-track player? rofl.
The object in the cubby holder? :D
Yeah he definitely changed the stereo. I'm gonna second Romeo2k.....8 track maaaybe???? Haha but all I know is the white outline graphic on the spring-door on the radio in that pic is a different shape than the one on the pic @ coolcats. And the original one, in fact, looks totally like the profile of a casette tape which they usually have. Thats CLOSE though if you don't notice that at first. The buttons on either side of the radio station display indicator are exactly the same as are the round dials. Now that I notice the difference between the tape doors its GLARING but the first few times I couldn't see it. Yeah that's GOTTA be 8-track I might be wrong but that's my gut.
Definitely 8 track.
Also, did you paint the vents, or are they like that from the factory?
I dont see any center console plate above that cubby thing on the center console.
That's defiantly a 8-Track... If I'm not mistaken they were no longer avail in '84, so that's a mod for sure... I prob have a couple around here some place...
cool, I'll bring some 8-tracks to catjam
Yes, I actually spent money and put in an 8-track radio. :)
I've got quite a few 8-tracks laying around, and access to more, and even more that I have to dig out. But here's the kicker...I have an old Panasonic home stereo with an 8-track recorder built in. So the plan is to keep downloading digital music from iTunes, hook the stereo up to the computer, record the music on the blank 8-track, and voila! My own digital-to-buttstuffog conversion. :D
Actually Tom, I've found evidence that 8-track radios were available for 1984. There was an '84 part number available; it may have been only through the dealer and not an in-dash factory install. There's info in my '84 owner's manual about them, too. What I'm really after is the factory digital 8-track player that's pictured in there. It's got to be a rare beast:
(http://www.coolcats.net/ximages/p107_small.jpg)
Shawn, those are full factory vents. The '84 base brushed dash panels were darker than '83s but I believe those are still the lighter silver 1983 vents.
And yeah, the center console panel was removed for the photos, as I'm replacing the aluminum plate with an NOS one.
Here's some more shots:
(http://www.coolcats.net/ximages/84dash02.jpg)
(note my Best of Foghat tape) ;)
(http://www.coolcats.net/ximages/84dash04.jpg)
(http://www.coolcats.net/ximages/84dash05.jpg)
Anyway, this is the first radio that I ever remember where I had to make the wiring on the radio itself match what was in the car. Took some parts swapping but I got it figured out. There's a dude on eBay that rebuilds these old 8-track radios and puts in new bands, makes sure all the buttons work properly, slide dial works, etc. Then he puts in an 8-track and bench tests it for 24 hours straight. And I get a guarantee with it. I figure, if the stock tape deck is going to sound like total shiznit, and I have very few cassettes anymore, I may as well go all the way back retro-style and kick the funky 8's.
But just in case, I have an 8-track to cassette adapter. And a cassette to iPod adapter. And yes, the two work great together.
Ahh...the joys of factory 7-watt stereos again...
That digital unit would be slick...
While I don't have a 8 Track in any of my vehicles, you ain't got anything on me... I still have a '74(or there abouts), Realistic 8T player/recorder... Yes I still use it occasionally...
That is SUCH an awesome idea. I wonder how hard to find 8-track recorders are. If I owned a car from the 70s I would totally find one and do the same thing, so I could listen to what I wanted in period-correct equipment!!!
! I actually looked at that and thought "No, he didn't put an 8 track in there"
Guess I am the April Fool:toilet:
:D
Now all you need is the factory CB radio that was available in '83 :hick:
Better yet, the voice box from an '83 talking Cougar :hick: :hick:
(Yes, I know those weren't available in '84, but neither were turbines ;))
that is cool, I have a big banana box sitting around here loaded with 8track tapes...
That said... BE CAREFUL WITH THE CARTRIDGES...
The foam rubber insert under the tape will have deteriorated and may gum up the player... It really should be replaced for best performance... The best ones use a copper spring and felt pads to apply pressure to the tape(I believe most cassettes use same system)... Even worse, in some cartridges(Lear Jets I believe) the pinch rollers have turned to a jell and those will really gum up the works...
Till about a dozen years ago, I had a Ford cartridge that had never been opened, was still in the cellophane wrapper... Then one day in a moment of stupidity I decided to open it, now I don't remember why...
I can't remember if I was senile a dozen years ago or not...:D
Tom
Wow man, that's incredible, it's nice when a dream comes together.
As far as the V6 goes, here here! My
Cougar A will forever have the 3.8L
:burnout:
Go :cougarsmily: Go!
:iagree: ours also !!! :cool:
I would have kept mine but the main bearing is whipped.
If i'm going through that much work to fix it, it's just as easy to replace it all together with a 302 that I now have
I just read this thread. Excellent job preserving an original, Eric!
If you decide you don't want that 8-track...drop me a line. One of our Lincolns will need it:
(http://www.lincolnsonline.com/rides/linc/DoctorV8/72lincmarkiv3.jpg)
You know, I thought about putting the old Sanyo 8-track my dad had in his Comet and Charger into the Cougar. Keyword here is thought ;)
I have to admit they're pretty cool though. I'm still in the process of converting all my 8-tracks, cassettes, and records to digital.
yay, what do i win?! *Gets kicked in the nuts* :flame:
I was at the local goodwill and found a couple 8-tracks~So i bought em just 'cuz it's a rarity to me, rofl.
Dad says he has a player... somewhere, Maybe well dig out it someday. :hick:
I think they did this on pimp my ride once, with recording capabilities and stuff in the car.
Using the voice of Dr. Evil: "Who installs 8-track players in their car in 2008, honestly?"
I still think my AM/FM Radio takes the cake lol.
I'll get pics of my Dads Chevelle. Aftermarket Pionner 8 Track Player with Powerbooster.
Looks good Eric. My car is clean and I mean CLEAN, but yours is immaculate!
Well I guess Eric did and so did I, I found one for my 76 Bird and put it in over the winter. My kids dont really know what the heck it is as they only relate to their I touch's but I think its pretty neat for a primitive piece of equipment
shiznit, maybe I'll better you all and install a 45 RPM record player... Yes they made 'em back in the 50s... No I don't have one...
As far as technology, except for wimpy output amps, 8 Tracks are fine and generally have as good or better frequency response as the average cassette player... Tape speed is a swift 3 3/4 ips vs only 1 7/8 for a cassette... Before the digital era, most radio stations used similar cartridge system for preprogrammed material...