Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => User Rides => Topic started by: 1WLD BRD on August 23, 2010, 08:33:20 AM

Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 23, 2010, 08:33:20 AM
Thats right, the '83 Cougar that was from texas is coming home next weekend...  if all goes as planned....  Now that I am back to work I can afford to play with it a bit.



(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/my83.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/untitled1.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/untitled.jpg)
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: jrad235 on August 23, 2010, 08:49:28 AM
*Soft whistle* That looks pretty darn sharp!
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: RunninWild on August 23, 2010, 03:12:42 PM
love those wheels.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: cougrrr302 on August 23, 2010, 03:23:30 PM
Sharp lookin' Cat! What are your plans for it?
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 86T-bird on August 23, 2010, 06:27:30 PM
That is a nice car!  Be great to have you back on the board with another Cat.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: Scott D on August 23, 2010, 09:28:18 PM
Now that is a sharp looking ride, sir
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on August 23, 2010, 10:05:58 PM
Quote from: RunninWild;333159
love those wheels.


X2, sweet car.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: HAVI on August 23, 2010, 10:08:22 PM
Always been one of my Faves.  Glad to see it return.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: Ether947 on August 23, 2010, 10:18:31 PM
That is one clean kitty! I think you need a set of clear side markers to complete the look... oh look what I have over here. :D
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 24, 2010, 12:08:13 AM
thanks guys...  I have a nice strong HO waiting to be converted to carbed, then drop it in with an AOD (for now) with a B&M hammer shifter that I made for my '88 XR-7....  this one:
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/88%20XR7%20Cougar/DSC05279.jpg)
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: Haystack on August 24, 2010, 12:38:56 AM
Did you sell the 88?
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 24, 2010, 10:49:14 AM
Quote from: Haystack;333231
Did you sell the 88?


yep.. long time ago unfortunately.  When I sold it I had swapped to a T5.  this shifter has about 4 hours of use on it.  thats all it took for me to rip the AOD out after the shift kit and shifter install and swap in a T5

This car will be getting a at5 as well, but for now and AOD will do just fine.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: baxo on August 25, 2010, 03:23:56 PM
Nice.. I saw the ad for it.. I'm glad you're getting it back!
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: ShowBoy on August 25, 2010, 07:33:48 PM
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!!!
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: Watchdevil on August 26, 2010, 01:17:56 AM
I knew I was having de ja vu!
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 27, 2010, 11:31:08 AM
IIIITTTTTT's BBBBAAAAACCCCCKKKKKK!

LOL

(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/013.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/012.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/011.jpg)
just got it home....  man does it ride nice.  has a big rust bubble that formed on the passenger side door that I will address this weekend, but other then that...  I missed this car.  Drove it home and got lost.  took the senic route and drove for almost 1.5hours and not a single problem.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: baxo on August 27, 2010, 12:18:02 PM
does it pull-start through the grille now too?
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 27, 2010, 12:49:18 PM
Nah, thats for the parachute....  its a bit of a beatch reaching for it at full throttle though...
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: HAVI on August 27, 2010, 04:58:55 PM
Quote from: 1WLD BRD;333742
Nah, thats for the parachute....  its a bit of a beatch reaching for it at full throttle though...


I would think the wind drag would stretch that thing right back to the mirror for ya to grab.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: t3skidoo on August 27, 2010, 06:59:20 PM
Slightly off topic -  Is there any issue in getting a car across the border, one way or the other?

Back on topic, +1 on the wheels.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 28, 2010, 12:02:06 AM
I dont think it is much of a hassle for a canadian car to go south, (less restrictions in the states)  but there is a bit of red tape for an american car to come here....  nothing major though. (depending on the year)

Wait till you see the rims tomorrow...  I just picked up a cordless drill and mothers power ball and am going to polish these babies up....
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 30, 2010, 04:16:45 AM
started polishing the rims yesterday.  had to take off and do other things so I only got one done.  This was the worst rim and I did only the first step so far as I have to take off and do some other stuff right now, but I am very impressed so far:
Before:
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/021.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/022.jpg)

After:
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/023.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/024.jpg)

not perfect yet, but a hell of a lot better then they have ever been...
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: sarjxxx on August 30, 2010, 11:36:49 PM
Does that thing look as nice on the inside as on the outside?
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 31, 2010, 04:07:56 PM
aside from needing a headliner and possibly a colour change....  yes.  the interior is in very nice shape for its age.  especially since it was a texas car most its life too.

(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/060.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/061.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/062.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/063.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/064.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/065.jpg)
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: hypostang on August 31, 2010, 04:16:02 PM
I love red interiors :D

Did you swap the speedo or is that something that all cars from the U.S. have done ?
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: sarjxxx on August 31, 2010, 04:30:56 PM
Holy  almost 118K miles and it still looks like that???
I love red too. That was my favorite thing about my cougar when I got it

You and Dan need to get together and show your black and white cats.

...I wonder what would happen if they had kittens:rollin:
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: hypostang on August 31, 2010, 04:41:11 PM
i agree , its gorgeous
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on September 13, 2010, 03:35:31 PM
made a little progress on her today:
aside from the hood and battery, whats missing?
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/001-1.jpg)

slowly getting the look I am after.  swapped in my old '85 grill lastnight.  got the tail lights to go in later.

(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/002-1.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/003-1.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/004-1.jpg)

figured out what is missing yet?  maybe this pic will help....

(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/005-1.jpg)

figured it out?
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: sarjxxx on September 13, 2010, 03:48:07 PM
A 5.0?

A front license plate?

A color matched hood?

Headlights that aren't crooked?

A hood liner?

A body kit?

A tranny cooler?

Oh, of course, a hood ornament
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: Watchdevil on September 13, 2010, 03:49:15 PM
Quote from: 1WLD BRD;335458



figured out what is missing yet?  maybe this pic will help....

(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/005-1.jpg)

figured it out?


The hood ornament...:rollin:
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on September 13, 2010, 03:56:40 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;335460
A 5.0?

A front license plate?

A color matched hood?

Headlights that aren't crooked?

A hood liner?

A body kit?

A tranny cooler?

Oh, of course, a hood ornament


smart ass LOL....  none of the above.

ornament was always missing....  keep looking.  someone with an '83-'86 will notice I think....  or should.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: sarjxxx on September 13, 2010, 04:01:37 PM
No, wait, not a 5.0, a 2.3T to match the hood!!! :rollin:
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on September 13, 2010, 04:11:12 PM
here is the spot I had to repair in the door.  weird spot for a rust hole....

(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/doorrepair.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/doorrepair1.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/doorrepair2.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/doorrepair3.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/doorrepair4.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/doorrepair5.jpg)
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: tbirdsps on September 13, 2010, 04:22:00 PM
What an odd spot to rust through....
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: gumby on September 13, 2010, 04:58:24 PM
Quote from: 1WLD BRD;335458

figured out what is missing yet?


the need to use a prop rod.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on September 13, 2010, 05:15:36 PM
Quote from: gumby;335475
the need to use a prop rod.


BINGO!!!

Swapped the hinges from an '87-'88 style hood into it.;):shakeass:

jees, I was beginning to lose hope LOL.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on September 13, 2010, 08:20:49 PM
Got the B&M hammer shifter bolted in, now just gotta finish up the cosmetic work tomorrow and it will be ready for the 5.0L HO/AOD when I yank the 3.8L/C5

(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/003.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/004.jpg)

Speaking of that, it says it will work with a C4 and C6....  shouldnt it work with a C5 as well?
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: bhazard on September 13, 2010, 08:28:47 PM
Two shifters for the win. You should figure out how to get both working.


Hmmmm which tranny do I wanna use today?
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: sarjxxx on September 13, 2010, 08:46:15 PM
the funny thing is that i kept looking at those pictures and seeing the prop rod sitting there but I just couldn't put 2 + 2 together :dunce:
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 13, 2010, 08:46:32 PM
Quote from: 1WLD BRD;333847
I dont think it is much of a hassle for a canadian car to go south, (less restrictions in the states)  but there is a bit of red tape for an american car to come here....  nothing major though. (depending on the year)
I'm pretty sure you'd find that to be the other way around. Bringing a car into Canada, anything goes if it's 15 years or older (which is why you see so many RHD JDM cars and puppiesanese micro trucks around here). Anything newer than 15 years just has to meet Canadian crash and emissions standards, which just about any newer US market does. Unfortunately some very limited production cars were never certified for the Canadian market (Ford GT comes to mind) so they are not legal to import until they're 15 years old. US market 89-92 MN12's were illegal to import into Canada because of their seat belts, but now that they're older than 15 they can come on over. Also, I believe you have to get a letter from a dealership stating that there are no open recalls on the vehicle.

To bring a car into USA I'm pretty sure it has to meet all US crash, lighting and emissions standards applicable to its model year before it's allowed in, regardless of age.
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: sarjxxx on September 13, 2010, 08:55:28 PM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;335500
To bring a car into USA I'm pretty sure it has to meet all US crash, lighting and emissions standards applicable to its model year before it's allowed in, regardless of age.

That goes for any car getting a plate, regardless of ODM. You can have anything you want titled in your name, as long as it is not reg'd. (and the neighbors don't call it an "eyesore":flip:)

That does vary by state though, as some states don't do an inspection. My cougar would have never passed an inspection, for lighting, safety, or emissions(especially), but FL has no inspections required for reg's. (but if they catch you on the street in violation, you still get fined). AFAIK, age makes no difference, but, once again, that may vary by state.

Like you said, though it does affect model year, such as how <85 does not need a third brake light.

I'm not sure what entails actually getting it across the border though...
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: daminc on September 13, 2010, 09:42:52 PM
Florida took a rebuilt Illinois title from the vert, and cleared it so when it got transferred to a NY title, there was no sign of the rebuild, and it's a clear title again. :hick:
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: daminc on September 13, 2010, 09:46:35 PM
People seem to ask me this question all the time. not sure why. lol
http://www.bordercenter.org/chem/vehicles.htm (http://"http://www.bordercenter.org/chem/vehicles.htm")
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on September 15, 2010, 08:27:43 AM
more progress yesterday:
(dont mind the mess on the floor, still not totally done.)

(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/005.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/006.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/007.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/011-1.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/012-1.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/013-1.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/My%2083%20Cougar/016.jpg)
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 15, 2010, 09:33:47 AM
You got a hell of a lot of spray paint skills as you didn't even paint the hood under the shifter plate;)
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on September 15, 2010, 09:55:35 AM
years of practice my friend :D
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: sarjxxx on September 15, 2010, 07:09:27 PM
Assuming you're going to be painting the rest of the console the same color to match?
Title: Guess what is coming back home?
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 15, 2010, 11:25:15 PM
Quote from: 1WLD BRD;335657
years of practice my friend :D


I wish I had those mad skillz!:mullet: