I have a Ford question....I'm sorry.

[72 Challenger]

Hey guys/gals,

I know get outta here with that Ford cr@p BUT

I have a Ford/Mercury question.

Last year I re-did the engine bay on my Challenger and my uncle took notice. Now he owns a 1967 Mercury Cougar. A car that is not worth the cost of a rotisserie restoration but has sentimental value because he has owned it since he was 16. Since he liked what I did with my own Challenger I have agreed to re-do his engine bay over the coming winter. So here is the question: Where on earth do I find quality ford restoration paints/ decals etc..? I need the engine bay paint, engine paint, decals and reference pictures. Any ideas?

I know nothing about Fords. However, I want to start my research so I can gather parts and supplies over the summer/fall.

He is not looking for a 100 point show car restoration just something that he isn't afraid to lift his hood up at car shows. Currently the car was "restored" in the early 90's and the engine bay is a terrible high gloss black and the engine has never been repainted since it left the factory.

If it matters it's a 289, auto, 8 inch rear, in light blue car so not too valuable.

Great looking car in my opinion, just needs some love, from a mopar guy lol. 

Thanks guys!

[1 Wild R/T]

I've had good luck with Melvin's,  I've dealt with most of the folks there & actually prefer to deal with Jessica....

http://www.melvinsclassicfordparts.com

John's specializes in Cougars & has for many years, I found them long before the internet in the printed Hemmings

https://www.johnsclassiccougars.com

And finally there's always Carpenters, They make allot of the stuff..

http://dennis-carpenter.com

[303 Mopar]

I would look up an Mustang resto site as they should be the same or near same parts.  There is a local place called Colorado Mustang that does a lot of great work on Fords, maybe look them up too.

[RUNCHARGER]

There isn't as much for Fords and Mercurys are their own little deal. I would follow Wild's recommendations and if totally stock isn't necessary Classic Industries is starting their Ford line and will stock a lot of the parts.

[72 Challenger]

Thanks guys!

I just need somewhere to start my research. When you go on the major sites they list all sorts of stuff for Mustangs but swap that over to Mercury and it's all generic parts. All of these years I was under the impression that the Mustangs and Cougars were the same.

[1 Wild R/T]

Thanks guys!

I just need somewhere to start my research. When you go on the major sites they list all sorts of stuff for Mustangs but swap that over to Mercury and it's all generic parts. All of these years I was under the impression that the Mustangs and Cougars were the same.

Under hood there is allot of stuff thats the same, but being a Mercury the decals may be a little different.... John is really "The" guy... 

Little story
Back in the 90's I found a 70 droptop 351 4V 4 spd... Guy had been trying to sell it for months no takers, I looked it over, called John, he tells me they only built 14 like it...  I made the mistake of telling the buddy who'd told me about the car before I bought it... Apparently he immediately called another friend who swooped in & bought it....  Saw the car ten years later, he'd never done a thing with it other than leave it outside to die.... It needed a lot more work & he wanted ten times what he paid for it......    Another lesson in why you keep stuff to your self.....

[Cuda70-74]

You can also try west coast classic cougar.

[RUNCHARGER]

Hopefully it doesn't need any Cougar specific body panels.

[72 Challenger]

Thanks guys!

I just need somewhere to start my research. When you go on the major sites they list all sorts of stuff for Mustangs but swap that over to Mercury and it's all generic parts. All of these years I was under the impression that the Mustangs and Cougars were the same.

Under hood there is allot of stuff thats the same, but being a Mercury the decals may be a little different.... John is really "The" guy... 

Little story
Back in the 90's I found a 70 droptop 351 4V 4 spd... Guy had been trying to sell it for months no takers, I looked it over, called John, he tells me they only built 14 like it...  I made the mistake of telling the buddy who'd told me about the car before I bought it... Apparently he immediately called another friend who swooped in & bought it....  Saw the car ten years later, he'd never done a thing with it other than leave it outside to die.... It needed a lot more work & he wanted ten times what he paid for it......    Another lesson in why you keep stuff to your self.....

Glad to hear someone on here shares my like of the Cougar! I'd own one if I had to choose something other than Mopar. I think it's one of the few cars out there that got the styling right in the first generation and it never look as good ever again.

The fact has always been that for years, and even within my own family, Cougars were just parts donors for big dollar mustang restorations. I Also think this is why so many places don't have restoration parts. No one really cared about them. 

I personally believe that I rather have a Cougar Eliminator than a Boss Mustang. Mustangs are just so...everywhere. 

Anyways I am glad you knowledgeable folks know where to look!

[1 Wild R/T]

I see Cougars as kinda like Mopar's were in the 70's & 80's not the most popular, not main stream.... I never wanted the same car as everyone else.....  And now I hang out on websites where everyone else has the same car as me.....   WTH... I gotta go...

[RUNCHARGER]

Yes: I could see myself driving a Cougar convt. or a 68-70 AMX for that matter. Problem is they are all getting popular now.  Part of the allure of Mopars initially was that it was fun to have something different. I think that is why I wouldn't own a 69 Charger or a (sorry to some of you) 71 Cuda. They are the Mopars that the off brand guys like as well so that just is a turn off for me, I have always preferred less popular rides.

[HP_Cuda]

npdlink.com is another resource you could use.

There are a ton of mustang/cougar parts shops out there, it might be good to find one near you.

[JS29]

West coast cougars!!!

[303 Mopar]

Are we talking about the same type of Cougar?

[1 Wild R/T]

Are we talking about the same type of Cougar?

I remember being stalked by a few of those.... I was taken down a couple times but no permanent damage....