My new baby

[RaeRae1]

Well,

The most nerve racking thing I have ever done. I just purchased this car over the internet - site unseen but for pics. It finally arrived this last weekend and I am pretty satisfied. Although there are definitely some things I would have done differently.

Now the work begins. The paint is in pretty bad shape, and there is rust underneath. The interior is actually pretty ok except for the armrests. The top is new and works great. First order of business is to bleed the brakes (I'm hoping that is all it needs for the brakes to start working normally), and I need to get a new exhaust (yeah, exhaust is so rusted I blew it out just driving it home... of course, romping the gas pedal didn't help that). I will be keeping a picture journal of all the progress.

Here is one pic just after it came off the carrier. (Sorry, have to use flickr because I can't post attachments for some reason).

1969 Mercury Cougar Convertible with a 351 (Windsor I think, but have to check bolt patterns to be sure).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2568313...47813/sizes/o/

Any suggestions on parts places and/or body shops around the Utah area would be very welcome!

['97ventureowner]

Looking good! Time to get yourself a Hemmings Motor News if you need to locate hard-to-find parts for your car. The brake and exhaust parts should still be available at your local parts stores, maybe "special order" if they don't directly stock it or their warehouse doesn't. They usually can get it from their suppliers, much less expensive to let the supplier keep it in his inventory than the local store/warehouse . Another source to locate parts OR salvage yards is www.car-part.com . I did a quick check for '69 Cougar interior parts and there were a bunch of entries on the results pages. You can even tailor the results to your searches to a specific state or location near your zip code. That can tell you who in your area might have parts for your car in their yard or inventory. Good luck .

[72chevelleOhio]

I'm jealous..

[RaeRae1]

Originally Posted by '97ventureowner

Looking good! Time to get yourself a Hemmings Motor News if you need to locate hard-to-find parts for your car. The brake and exhaust parts should still be available at your local parts stores, maybe "special order" if they don't directly stock it or their warehouse doesn't. They usually can get it from their suppliers, much less expensive to let the supplier keep it in his inventory than the local store/warehouse . Another source to locate parts OR salvage yards is www.car-part.com . I did a quick check for '69 Cougar interior parts and there were a bunch of entries on the results pages. You can even tailor the results to your searches to a specific state or location near your zip code. That can tell you who in your area might have parts for your car in their yard or inventory. Good luck .

Thanks Tons for the info! Greatly appreciated. And yes, NAPA had the master cylinder remanufactured for 32 bucks . Hopefully won't need it but just in case. I am sure I will also be fighting dried out rubber/seals for the next few years (the car was sitting since 94, hence why the new gas tank, lines, filter etc). Can't wait to get my hands dirty!

['97ventureowner]

I also have found that Rock Auto (www.rockauto.com) has a good inventory of parts for older cars at good prices. I've found some items for my older vehicles on their site less expensive than my local stores or other online sites, shipping included. That helps in the "saving gas department' when shopping around for the best deals.