My mother wants me to restore her 83 Cougar instead of getting her something new in the late 90's. What should I especially consider when restoring this car? Any tips and stories to share?
What color is her cougar and what condition is it in now like any rust or does it need a new paint job or are talking about the interior. A little more info is needed. LOL
from what eric told me at catjam, the 83 has many year specific interior trim parts.... knee panels, dash, and center console to name a few.... he also said that the colors might be hard to match too.... most of the underhood and drivetrain parts are shared with the rest of the 4-eye foxes.... i guess it just depends on how "original" you want it to be
I thought 83-84 had the same interior less some padding in the 83. They added padding to the knee area so the bird/coug's would do better in the crash test.
I think you'd need to define "restore" a little better. Like, would you just fix it up so it appears as stock? Or are you restoring for show quality? If all the car needs is the typical rust repair/repaint and some odds and ends, then that's one thing. Digging up NOS parts, completely different scenario.
The 1983's do have unique parts all over. Hood hinges, wiper nozzles, console, dash/radio panels, door panels, front turn signal lenses, etc. Finding some of those parts used will be difficult unless you happen upon someone here that has them.
Are you talking about on the dashes?
Uh..both my '83's had/have the padded glove box and under-steering wheel padded dashes.
There was a difference in the padding, though...my guess is the thickness, or density of the foam. I have 1984 part numbers for all my dash padding. Something definitely got revised from 1983.
She wants me to get the following done:
1. Engine Rebuild
2. Tranny Rebuild
3. New Coils
4. Rebuild AC system
5. Fix broken interior parts (interior is mostly complete and in average condition for it's age.)
6. New tires
7. New Paint Job
(http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1168/4007052/18148574/285027164.jpg)
(http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1168/4007052/18148574/285027159.jpg)
(http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1168/4007052/18148574/285027152.jpg)
Well for starters I would put the correct front end on the car. Its not a Tbird. Having owned an 83 I can attest to the little differences.
I noticed that a long time ago when we purchased the car. You mean to tell me it has been in an accident? Someone put a T-Bird front end on the thing? I'm a Mark VII guy so this car is some what stange to me.
Yeah, it's definitely a T-Bird front end. That doesn't necessarily mean the front end was wrecked...someone might have just liked the T-Bird's nose better. But you could look for some signs of damage up front there.
It's easiest to start with the interior parts, to be honest. Paint will probably be the last thing on the list, if things around here hold true LOL. Tires are easy to replace. So are the suspension parts. The A/C system is a great spring project. That just leaves the motor and trans. How is it running now? Any issues with the trans?
The interior is pretty much intact except for several components, one being critical. That being the driver side inner door handle which I just bought off another member of this board. The handle for the hood release is busted, while the horn cap just broke recently. The interior is really in solid condition. As for the motor, it leaks everywhere and has lost what little power it did have off the factory. The transmission does well but leaks pretty good. The front end has almost been completely rebuilt while the AC system needs a complete overhaul.
LJS30,
I don't know how close we are geographically, but I've got an entire front cap minus hood from an '86 XR7. It's even got the foglight cutouts. Colors' not exact, but it is a dark red, and you're going to repaint anyway. I've also got several odd and end red interior parts if you are looking for any. Just thought you might be interested.
On the other hand, again if we aren't too far apart from each other, if you change your mind and decide to let the car go, I'd be interested. Just a thought.
Fordman3
i bought all new springs for the cat last year.... i goth them from carquest.... i used the variable? rate cargo springs for the rear and regular ones up front (just be sure to state engine size)... they rid really well, and cost me about $200 for all 4.... i have a thread about it here somewhere...........
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=8816
as for the interior..... yes , i painted a lot of mine..... i used the vinyl paint at advance and o'reillys... it's like $6 a can, and i used 3 cans for the dash, knee pad, glove box, and center console pieces.... that thread is...........
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=10085
the interior pics start on page 3...... i used three or four coats to try to keep it thick, that's probably why i went through 3 cans.... it goes on pretty smoothe, and the only place showing wear so far is the center console cover (i keep my elbow planted there).... otherwise, after about a year the rest of it is holding up rather well..... i used the flat black color because they don't have a grey to match
Well I think my mom is happy with the front cap it has currently. However, let me see what interior parts we may need. I live in Riverside, CA, so that gives you an idea where I am at.
Nice links you guys. How do those coil springs ride? That is a very cheap price.
As for advice in rebuilding....take your time (of course;)) It looks to be an easy restore so have fun with it. Do a good job and you and your mom won't regret it.
Brian
when i stared to restore my 84 i set out to give it what i think the car should have as an option, the v-8 4 bbl carb. option. with all the creature comforts too. i pulled out every wire and hoses and lines. detailed the underside . (you can see your face in the trans tunnel) really it is up to you as what you want, how you want the car to represnt it self. remember to us these are great cars, to everyone else, their just t-birds and cougars...blah, blah, blah...take your time and enjoy it.
Excellent input up to this point guys.
hey, how far is riverside from san-diego?
Sorry if I took awhile to respond. I've been swamped at work. I am about 1hr 1/2 from the Tijuana border.
Im in downtown san diego, so your probably about an hour away from me then.
Interesting, very interesting. How was your resto on your 83?
im in the process of doing that as we speak. Its VERY hard to find parts for, lol. but hopefully i can get it done one day.
I hear you man. I think I'm going to get the transmission rebuilt then get my mom some new leaf springs.
I think he is talking about the T-bird grille in it.