Cougar Buying Guide Ep.3 - 1968 XR-7 390 "Barn Find"

[@abodymody7641]

Boy when I watch dons videos I feel it's like early 80s all over again with the garage decals and everything.. nostalgia 👍

[@srm8866]

Greetings! I just stumbled onto your Cougar videos while browsing You Tube and strolling down memory lane. Had a 67 XR-7, 68, and a 70 Cougar. The 67 and 68 were both rotisserie restored in y folks shop, and the 70 was near mint original. Sold all 3 at various times over the past 40 years, and have regretted it every since. I flat-out dig the 67-70 Cougar and thoroughly enjoy watching your videos - very informative. Thanks for taking your time to share your vault of knowledge. Cheers,

[@Ndat916]

thanks for showing the tilt steering, owned my 68 for 6 years and never knew about that.

[@godricmclauchlan6842]

Its been about 10 years since I've purchased a vehicle and sure wished I had of known a good majority of the stuff you've pointed out back in my younger days as I did buy some other people's problems. But I did learn and when I was about 18 or 19 I actually hired a friend of mine uncle who was a mechanic for a couple hrs on a Saturday afternoon to look at 2 cars for me. I'm glad I did because both cars were gonna cost me more in the long run and all it cost me was a case of beer and $60 bucks, about 2 weeks later I got a 1986 Cougar the he gave me the thumbs up for that I eventually sold about 10 yrs later the car treated me great for those years I had it lol great video mate I hit the subscribe button

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

When we bought cars back then brother we weren’t spending that much money so we didn’t care if it was perfect. I could have bought a sweet 68 Cougar in 1984 for 2,500 bucks 😂

[@jeffcampbell2710]

I always liked the Steering wheel wraps. It took a few to do a really nice job. Making sure your place was flat, not twisted, the seam true, tension equal.

[@txnetcop]

Bought a '67 Dan Gurney Special from a dealer no longer around in San Antonio, but I was a bouncing baby Ford mechanic. A master mechanic named Tiny Liskowski showed me how to buy Cougars and exactly what to look for. You know your stuff Don. That was many years ago and I went into the insurance industry training adjusters to use computer repair systems. I had passed along that knowledge so that folks can see what kind of professionalism they got in their repair. Great series Don!

[@awsharb1]

do you have an email to contact you plz?

[@joszefrviz398]

Fantastic informational video. I appreciate it very much as I am interested in purchasing a Cougar.

[@williiamwindsor9463]

You could probably have your 6.5 Litre badge scanned and sent out to be 3D printed. Jay Leno has a good video on 3D printing

[@JohnDoe-to2kv]

I had 3 of them Cars back in the days. First was a ‘68 289 3spd, second was a ‘67 390 4spd the last was the incredible ‘68 GTE XR7 427 Auto.. That is one of the very few Cars I always regretted having sold. But, you can’t go back, keep in mind those Cars are now 55 yrs old. I had trouble getting Trim pieces for the GTE, and that was in ‘70.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Most of the trim is still not reproduced, but we can restore most of it: secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/store/Search.aspx?SearchTerms=restored%20trim

[@gustavoreyes7366]

I really respect your experience on the classic Cougar but I have one and just don't want to invest to fix it up! Mine has way to many problems that I will have to give it up at a loss. I used to live in So Cal and enjoyed my 1964 Mustang but after moving to Vancouver Wa I bought a 1967 Cougar thinking it was like a Mustang... was I wrong. The Cougar is just way to expensive to properly fix up especially from the Pacific Northwest rain which in turn brings Cancer! Thank You for your Channel!Gus. ..

[@SwankeyMonkey]

It's funny, that my 68 Cougar also has that same door guard trim, and at first I hated it compared to my other two 67s not having that trim, but now I've actually come to love it because of its uniqueness and the way it compliments the horizon shadow line on the curved doors. Not many Cougs have it and when you see it on one, it feels like you're in the same club of option buyers.

[@ZADOMAN48]

Never drill into your coug to install these non factory trim items if you must have them install adhesive pieces imho.

[@johncronin5311]

Just another great inspection really interesting I really enjoyed it , thanks

[@jeffcampbell2710]

Isn't the Mustang Deck lid the same? I saw a video that said the only parts of a Mustang Ford used was the Roof and Deck lid.

[@Thunder_6278]

I bring a covered magnet, to check for bondo. Like you said, under is much more important, if bad rust, walk away.

[@dpreetam]

So, I watched this video out of curiosity because my father has had a cougar for over 30 years. All the rust spots you mentioned pretty much go for any muscle car. I know car owners want everything to be original as possible, but those flair moldings trap water and cause rust. I believe Mustangs have the same problem. Why not ditch them and prevent future problems?

[@ozzstars_cars]

I have watched several of your videos so far. Good stuff. Subscribed

[@hardesthart]

Don, how about the double pinstripe on the top of front fender top of door and top of quarter panel. I think all 67's and 68's had it.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

hardesthart You're correct, this car was repainted years ago and they chose not to redo the pinstripes.

[@enerrivers4392]

Never too late to learn. Gr8 & informative video. Gr8 advice. Thanks

[@JRHoye]

What is a good price to pay for a 68 with rusty floor pans and not running in todays market? Interior mostly there needs a paint job.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

If you can try posting a few pics over at www.classiccougarcommunity.com/ and other Cougar owners will pitch in on what you should be looking to pay.

[@wpcampbell491]

Thanks for the tutorial .In New Hampshire, unless the purchaser garaged the vehicle from day one, refused to drive through our ridiculous winters, (they use unbelievable amounts of salt on the roads here), there is absolutely no way pre 1975 Cars and trucks survived without major cancers.

[@asteffenson88]

I bought a solid used roof to replace mine which has rusted under the vinyl top, would you suggest putting a new vinyl top back on or leaving it off, filling the holes, and painting it body colored?

[@Rare92Mustang]

Just tilt was an option on Mustang. Tilt Away was another Option. Correct about cougar and Tbird

[@hamslice151]

Why is there a hole on the right side of the steering column?

[@garywood9525]

I don't mind a few problems with a used car that are more of a time consuming repair for me rather than a major rust issue to pay someone else to correct it because it can expose how a few other problems should be fix first or while the cars apart . Clean the car up and replacing bulbs or relays help me learn about the car and know that it should be trouble free for at least 3 years other than brakes , fluids , shocks and exhaust. It is good to know what you're getting into and no matter what number is in your head for the costs to set a price you will pay....add 25% as a buffer to cut down on the swearing later on or the spouse with " I told you so " and could have used that mony for a newer used car with less problem. The Cougar in the garage gives nicks and cuts , the one in the house leave claw marks and hisses .

[@ZADOMAN48]

I thought the 6.5 Litre emblems were installed on the Marauder 390 4v only as I own one I thought I was special lol my coug has speed control and tilt -away plus whisper air try working under that dash once wow.

[@EarlGuyton425]

Here is something most nearly all mechanics do not know and nearly all enthusiast do not know about the 67 cougars (don't think this applies to the 68). There are two 289 V8s that look identical and even the engine parts will swap over BUT ARE NOT THE SAME. If you see a 67 with a light blue painted 289, it is not the same as the dark blue 289 for the same 67 year. In that particular year lt.blue and dark blue meant something very very important!. The light blue version is mercurys MORE balanced engine and precision built engine and may have NICKEL mixed in with the cast iron. Same as in 1959 mercurys 390 was lt blue and fords fe 390 was dark blue, THEY ARE NOT THE SAME as far as the balancing. The machining is more true and may even have steel crankshaft and cam gears Just because these engines are physically the same in parts fitment and looks they are not the same. That 67 cougar with the light blue 289 back in 67 would have been 700 dollars more on average but most people think the motor company simply painted them two different shades of blue. They do not run the same either. If you find a 67 cougar with a light blue 289 it is ABOVE the ones with the dark blue 289

[@kingerikthegreatest.ofall.7860]

Wish I still had my 68xr7.

[@randybills3848]

Very interesting stuff pal

[@BullyRod]

Well that was great, I have a 70 Cougar XR7 Covertable, can i assume that the 68 is real close to the 70. Mine looks like it just came out of the factory, but now after watching this im really going to look at it. The car will be restored stock and i was VERY IMPRESSED with West Coast Classic Cougar!!. I have restored and built many high end hot rods. Thanks for the Video Dana Hinkle,,, Hinkles Hot Rods (its only a hobby)

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Informative video, and great sounding F.E. Though with my luck I'd probably make the seller mad doing all those things you demonstrated. So, do you know what became of this Cat after you sold it? Did the new owner restore it?

[@garfgo]

Inspecting the car is to see if what you find justifies the asking price for you. From my experience, sellers are not too interested in what I find and will simply wait for a buyer that inspects less.

[@bucksmkr12ga]

I don't know what a car like that sells for on the west coast. But it would probably sell for 10-15k here in the Midwest, as is. Or at least that's what the owner would want for it.

[@steel90912]

Absolutely beautiful car.

[@aaronlempka2198]

You kept downgrading the X code 390. It's the same as a S code. Only difference is the intake and carb.

[@nowitsabadtime]

I'm a Mustang fan, but damn that is a NICE Cougar!

[@saulisrael2937]

I am interested in restoring a cougar what year is easiest to restore? Thanks

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

+saul israel Probably 1967-68 in terms of parts availability.

[@saulisrael2937]

thanks

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

+Brian Salomon The XR-7 package was something you could add to any Cougar, which consisted of a nicer leather interior, a different faux woodgrain dash, and emblems on the C-pillars, among other things. While you could get both together, they were separate packages; the GT-E package got you the special horizontal grille bars, lower body trim and Argent paint, fender badges, and of course the 427 side oiler, or 428 CJ later in the production run.

[@johncronin5311]

Remorgage yoyr house

[@poppopartist3870]

My 1968 6.5 liter is Grecian Gold

[@seanr1013q]

RIGHT ON BROTHER

[@MickeyValentineA]

I'll trade you my Xcode for this one :D just kidding. I wish I had this when I bought mine but its good to watch so I can look out for more on my own. Thanks for doing the video and best of luck with the auction. I wish I could find the heat riser tube for the snorkel on mine, too bad they're not reproduced.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

***** Is yours also a 68? According to our website, we have one or more used 390 heat riser tubes in stock. But, as you might imagine, supply and demand creates a pretty high price. www2.cougarpartscatalog.com/68stube.html

[@MickeyValentineA]

Yes I have a 68 XCode Standard. Awesome I'll see about buying it soon. Thanks!

[@erikwilson9498]

Love your vdeos ! It would be great if you threw out guestimates on repair prices and parts costs THANKS !

[@gustavoreyes7366]

Don thanks for all your knowledge but I heard you say fortune many times on this video!!! You are correct in saying this because I have an old 1967 Cougar in my garage that I've had for years and the cost in restoring is way too expensive. I just don't have the ability to fix up my car because body panels are very expensive as you said, the deck lid is a fortune...500$ Please don't misunderstand my attitude but I was taken when I was told that a Cougar is just like a Mustang. I was wrong. It is not. My cougar is just not worth fixing up due to its many problems and I would rather trade it for a 1965 or 1966 mustang in the similar condition because the parts are so much cheaper. Sorry for such negativity. I live in Vancouver Wa and I've tried to look for your place but just haven't made time. Gus.

[@awsharb1]

are you wiling to sell your car?

[@kevinhabener1279]

I noticed the sticker in the air cleaner saying "390-4V". I guess someone just put that on there.

[@kevinhabener1279]

@Jim Watson I know that would be a factory sticker. But the engine here is said to be a 390-2V with a 2 barrel carb.

[@georgeharrod7805]

So buddy, I've appraised your car and after I tally up all the necessary repairs and replacement parts I can take it off your hands if you'll pay me $1000. Just joking, very informative vid.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

You're going to hell! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mike16600017]

What`s this car worth?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

If memory serves it sold for over 10k

[@bg147]

I walk away as soon as i see the exhaust tip extensions.

[@phillipreed7934]

Hey call me 9255652465

[@snl1962]

This is currently for sale in St. Augustine, FL www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/mercury/cougar-xr7/1922616.html'

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Different car, but very similar!

[@snl1962]

You sure? It even identifies the wrong VIN Mustang apron...

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Check out the door tag on the Hemmings car, then look at 21:20 in this video

[@snl1962]

SURE ENOUGH...WOW... Can you get much closer "prior damaged" twins? That's why you guys ARE the experts!

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

They are eerily similar, for sure!

[@michaelhartman9200]

Great

[@0tube0user]

strip it and dip it , only way to go

[@AvidShooter]

after everything "factored" in the guy you're buying it from owes you money HAHA

[@clarkgriswold5903]

And I thought California cars were supposed to be rust free, I guess not!

[@jeffcampbell2710]

How lazy is the Sculpture to just paint over those horrific grind Mark? I owned a collision shop for 30 years, started painting at 12, and that crap is what my first 2 jobs looked like. I learned paint doesn't hide, it illuminates. It drives me crazy the way people will spend huge amounts on Wheels, Tires, Engines, trans, but but the cheapest paint and materials they can find. Paint is very expensive, especially like PPG (My fav), Dupont, ICI, etc. They spend many hours, usually improperly, but buy cheap crap, that's gonna look bad in a few years, then you have to remove all that junk. The video you have of the Yellow cougar is a good example. A cheap paint job, and they think it looks as good as that $20,000 job. They don't see the details, just paint.

[@MrDriftonin]

I hate this guy, he is always finding good deals.

[@70goldtop]

I fucking HATE rust! Old Mercs and 70's Ford 4x4's rule the world. Wanna see a real sleeper? Check out Muscle Car Of The Week 1970 red Mercury Montego 429...

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

Who in their right mind expects to find a an almost 60 year old car with absolutely no rust?😂