1967-68 Cougar Grille Straightening - Easy DIY Method

We've done a few videos in the past about the first-generation Cougar grille. It's such a distinctive design feature of these cars, and it's our mission to help straighten all the crooked grilles out there. In this video, Don demonstrates an easy way to re-align the outer corners of the grille using heat, wedges, and a small ratchet strap. If you missed our earlier video on the headlight cover "bump stops", which provide a nice rest for the "eyelids" and keep them aligned, check it out here: • 1967-68 Cougar Headlig...
As always, we have all the parts you need for your 1967-73 Cougar here: secure.cougarp...

[@scottbrooks4782]

Once again another great video for the Cougar enthusiasts. Thanks Don for making all the videos through the years, as they are very informative and a valuable learning tool for the hobbyist. Keep up the great work.

[@geezmoneyy]

That video was very helpful...me and my mechanic are trying to solve this exact problem on my 69 convertible ...iwill try1 or both techniques. Thanks . 👍👍👍

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

The '69+ grille is completely different, they don't usually have the same issue with the end pieces bending inward. What's yours doing? If the eyelids are misaligned, it's probably an issue with the shaft they rotate on, it uses "rag joints" that can get worn.

[@geezmoneyy]

The passenger eyelid door is touching on the right side and isn't square with the left side of the grille ....the driver side Has atleast a 3/4 inch gap on the left side of grille closest to center ....but it seems to be square with the rest of the grille

[@erikwilson9498]

I love your videos and will be a loyal customer just for all you teach us!

[@Tommerd]

You got room for another licence plate? I have a BIG CAT plate from Friendly Manitoba, 1983. I have two, so if you want it, I'd sent it.

[@donrush5690]

YES! I would display those proudly and be happy to give you in store credit. Thank you for offering!

[@michaelknight2897]

If I ever get my hands on a car, im taking the 4 to 5 hour drive to you guys ( I live in Washington state). Ive been binge watching your videos.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Well, it's smart of you to do this research up front before you get a car! You'll have a much better idea of what to look for. They are still out there! Glad you like the videos.

[@rmee5165]

Michael Knight if you can... GET A CAR ALREADY RESTORED.... been working on mine 10 years now,... still not done.

[@68camaro18]

Great video

[@fireyman99]

So... for clarification, those bump stops stop the bending of the grille? I already installed them on my 68 as it makes the grille look so much better.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

They should! Time will tell. But by relocating and spreading out the "pressure points" where the eyelids rest on the grille, the new bump stops should prevent future bending. The original single rest location for the eyelids wasn't strong enough to withstand decades of pressure without bending somewhat, which is why almost all of these cars have crooked grilles today.

[@garywood9525]

@@WestCoastClassicCougar The bump-stop should have been about a 1/2"x 3.0"x 3/4" with a softer rubber to spread the load with a "T" shape or the mould should have had stress ribs to prevent flexing . Sadly , too many cars have left the factory where Engineers and Bean Counter aren't that worried about " White If " issues down the road . One mechanic told me about a FORD Tempo that needed the engine lifted up to access the Bolt he needed to remove a part anchored to the engine. This is why I like the large older cars where i could sit near the engine bay shock tower and change the spark plugs or have the AC/Heating box on the firewall for easy access.

[@donbenney2848]

1 question Don. Why not use a Dremel with a carbide cutter to oval out the hinge holes? Just seems like you would have more control going that route. I'll be tackling this as soon as I finish with my halogen upgrade. I've already done the electric headlight door conversion.

[@AmpasaurusWrecks]

I always wondered about this misalignment, another great video.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

I don't own a Cougar, but if I did you would be my main source of info. I watched the older video where you were at the big auction. You do great work and good video's. Thanks, JohnG

[@peterpeterson7784]

I got the grilles out to paint last summer on my 67 without removing the fender extensions, bumper, etc. It was not easy but it can come out. Did the bump stop a few weeks ago and now I know how to fix the sagging from the outside grille to the headlight grille. Thanks...

[@ernestoorozco-jimenez4966]

I really want one. The 67 XR7 but I have a big plan for one When I get my hands on a clean one. If it ever happens.

[@henrynavarro4161]

I just got a 68 xr7, and I'm gonna give it a go! Good info!

[@pvgreen621]

Would the process be different if the grille is already off the car?

[@timsmith1589]

My 67 did the same thing on the passenger side

[@chrisb3017]

I don’t even own a cougar but have been binge watching videos.

[@JohnJohnson-ge3dt]

That's my car now! :)

[@garywood9525]

There were 2 comments about Cougars and I doubted both . First I heard that the 1968 had only 1 stamping for the bumper because the front and rear were the same , then I mentioned that when you do a resto-mod and go to 17" or 18 " rims it throws off the Speedo that drives from the Transmission output shaft and must be Calibrated ....but i was told it didn't care. Don : when someone drops of a Cougar with over sized rims and wants you to do some repairs and test drive it.....do you get a bad reading on the speedo showing below the road speed with other cars doing 50 mph where it reads several mph's less with those rims turing less times per minute. I had a 63 Tbird and needed a new speedo drive gear in the transmission. The shop told me that thet had to count the teeth on the old one because had 2 versions based on the rear axle ratio for the stocl Bird and the Tri-power 390 Roadster .

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Firstly, the front and rear bumpers are most definitely different, so ignore whoever told you they were the same. Secondly, of course, larger diameter tires can affect the speedo reading. We have a whole array of different speedometer gears on our site, as well as a calculator to figure out which one will work best: secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/speedocalc.html

[@garywood9525]

@@WestCoastClassicCougar Thanks. It made no sense that 18" rims plus the tires profile wouldn't alter the speedo reading .

[@graeserhp]

very helpful don

[@michaelrichards4301]

What if the bucket is bent and the rest of the grille is good?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

How badly is it bent? If the grille was attached to it whenever it got hit, it seems like it would have gotten bent as well. But anyway, your best bet would be to take it all apart and either straighten out your bucket or get a good used replacement, which we have.

[@michaelrichards4301]

It is the drivers high beam side and the rest of the grille is good.

[@MRBUCKY12345]

Will it work on a 69 Cougar

[@donrush5690]

No, 69 shares nothing in common with the 67-8