K! Guys, :bowdown: What? is it that has to be drilled ie, enlongated to make the 88 turbo hood fit on the 83 t-bird. The 88 turbo hood did not come with hinges So have to use the 83 hinges. So what do I do??? please help ;) thanks loads Barry :D
1983 hinges seem to be different from other years. I would imagine if anything needs to be done, the slots on the hinge where the hinge bolts to the hood would need enlarged. I've also had instances where the holes where the hinge bolts to the inner fender needed slotted. Hard to tell...all I can suggest is, try to bolt it up, see what you come up with. If you can post photos that would help as well.
I didn't realize that '83 hood hinges were different. So, if I ever want to put an '87/'88 TC hood on my '83 Cougar, I need to keep the '88 TC hinges (which also have built-in springs and don't require you to prop the hood up)? Good info to know.
By the way, Barry, I do know that if you do put a TC hood on a CFI 3.8, and it still has the intercooler ductwork attached, it won't close. I believe the ductwork "mouth" hits the breather. I don't know if this is a unanimous opinion, but it sure didn't work on my '84, and I sure did want it to. I know, the ductwork is removeable, but I wanted to keep it. Just my .02. Good luck!
Fordman3
OK...here is what I know for sure. There were different part numbers for 1983, and 1984-86, hood hinges. Same goes for the hood--1983 is its own part number. Now I cannot tell you exactly why they are different. Years ago I knew a dude that told me he tried this same deal (1987 TC scoop hood on a 1983 TC) and it "didn't fit right". He never elaborated, and his experience with cars was questionable at best. But what he said seems to be corroborated to a point. So there must be some type of physical difference. I have never owned or even messed with an '83 to figure out what it is.
So...if you own an '83 and can deduce with the differences are, we'd appreciate the feedback. Otherwise, what I'd suggest to everyone is to change the hinges with 1984-86 ones (if that's what's needed) and then run your different hood, and everything should line up correctly, and you just reuse the prop rod. You can probably also use the 1987-88 and sometimes earlier spring-loaded hinges as well. Or, if you already have the 1984-86 hinges and want to add a spring, you can use Mark VII bolt-on springs. Lots of options, no real correct answer, at least until we find out what's up with the 1983's for sure.
Um, in Canada the '84's seem to be different too, as the cowl hood I built and had on baXo's Cat, wont line up to the bolt holes like on an '83. I can get some pics tomorrow and post to show the differences are at the hinge area, if you guys would like.
I remember something not being quite right with the fit of the hood off my '83 that I put on my '85 besides the hinges too. Just cant think of what it was right now.
I know for sure the bolt holes are closer together on the '83-'84 hoods and hinges. When you try to bolt up an older hood on the '85-88 the front hole is perfect but you would need to measure and redrill a hole in the hinge, in front of the factory hole for the back bolt.
thre was a guy at the junk yard with a 83 tbird, and his hood hinges were way to tall. I think he got them off of a 1987 cougar.
Had this problem with mine. I have an 83 with an 87/8 hood. When I tried to bolt it up to the stock arms, it would not obviously fit. As stated before, the holes do not line up. So, I simply only had two of the four bolts in for some time (probably 3-4 months my guess) until it made it to the body shop to get painted and he fixed it. I am assuming he redrilled as stated above... But, you can use only two bolts. If I recall correctly, there is only slight play, if any... I am planning on going to the 87/8 hinges in the VERY near future here because I have everything I need ;) ;) ;) :D
Frank M
I am suprised the 87 hood fits the 83 body at all. The 87/88 front end and header panel are vastly different than the 83/94/85/86.
Frank M. seems to have it pegged however - as long as the sides and front line up with the fenders and header panel, all you need to do is re-drill.
Big Question For T-Bird Owners: will the headlights from an 87/88 T-Bird fit properly in an 87 Cougar? The car is in the shop right now being repainted and I want to replace the dusty old headlights that are there now - EBAY Lady told me T-Birds and Cougars aren't the same. COMMENTS PLEASE!!!
Unfortunately the headlights are different. The inner edge is angled on the T-bird and straight on the Cougar. Perhaps with some T-Bird marker lights and some work you could do it (or header panel swap), but I'm not sure it is worth the effort. Lincoln Continental lights are the same (I'm unsure of the year range however.)
my 86 and 87 hoods are the exact same, as far as I can tell.
Thanks SSX - I am amazed that the T-Bird and Cougar aren't using the same headlight.
I can probably still order new headligths for the Lincoln Mark VII (They were produced up to 1992). I will also call my local supplier (Medford Auto Wreckers).
Thanks SSX - I'm really surprised the T-Bird and Cougar didn't use the same headlight. you've saved me a ton of aggravation.
I'll check with Lincoln-Mercury - I'm sure I can get Mark VII Headlights. and I can now also check my regular "supplier" of fine used parts - Medford Auto Wreckers :)
"continental", not MK VII are the same as Cougars.:D
I can't believe it!! T-Birds - No, Mark VIIs - No, Continentals -Yes...There's no rhyme or reason to this.
My '87 XR7 car is getting repainted right now, and for some dumb reason the headlight issue keeping me up at night.
One more thing is gnawing at me - The car now has 159,000 miles on it and still runs strong. The suspension is simply terrible. I've changed the front struts and rear shocks, but going over a rough road is still teeth-jarring..........Any suggestions would be apperciated!!
my 88 cougar has sort of a jarring ride to it as well, whereas my 88 tbird is pretty smooth...
headlamps- yes, believe it or not, the linc. continentals (not mark7's or tbirds) share headlamps with the 87/88 cougar...i can forward a good inexpensive (relatively) source for new headlamp units...
hoods- 83-88 are all the same as far as body dimensions- cowl/fender/header fit...though headers differ, they all take the same hoodline...hinge fit- i also ran into the fitment trouble between 83-85...they apparently changed the bolt spacing either for 84 or 85...hood will still fit, as noted, with only one bolt per side used- as i recall, the other bolts were off the hinge frames altogether or right at edges...don't know what you get trying older hoods on 87/88, figure you'd want to keep the self-holding hinges...can those hinges be put back on 83-86...?
i dont know but i put a 88 turbo hood on my 83 with no modifications,
did you use the '88 hinges (with the springs)? if yes, then obviously the hood would bolt properly to the hinges...i will reference back to another question i asked- will the newer hinges retrofit to an 83?
AWESOME car by the way......
hey bad bird, when were you at the track? I grew up in brooklyn.