Restoring an Abandoned 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 for a 1000-Mile Road Trip

The Quest for a Bucket List Car

• 🚗 The team embarks on a mission to find and revive a 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7, a personal bucket list car for one of the hosts.
• ✈️ A spontaneous trip to Texas leads to the discovery of this Cougar in Bandera, Texas, purchased for $2,500.
• 🛣️ The ambitious goal is to get the car running and drive it over 1,000 miles home to central Iowa.

Bringing the Cougar Back to Life

• 🛠️ The Cougar, with 275,000 miles, requires significant work, including addressing a disassembled engine bay and a four-speed transmission.
• ⚙️ The engine, a 351 Cleveland with 4V heads, is found to be in good condition after removing the intake to inspect its internals and prime the oil system.
• ✨ A Petronix Flamethrower 2 distributor and new plugs/wires are installed to upgrade the ignition system.
• ⚡ Electrical issues are tackled, including fixing headlights and discovering the functional, albeit complex, sequential tail lights unique to the XR7 model.

Overcoming Road Trip Challenges

• 🔧 Brakes are a major focus, with new shocks, master cylinder, and extensive work on lines and drums, though leaks and improperly flared lines present significant hurdles.
• 💨 The exhaust system is upgraded with Flowtech headers and a Pypes stainless steel exhaust kit, significantly improving the car's sound.
• 🛠️ Modifications to the Z-bar and clutch fork are necessary to clear the new headers, requiring custom fabrication and adjustments.
• 🌡️ Cooling system issues, including a clogged radiator and overheating, are addressed through multiple flushes and repairs.
• ⛽ The car experiences various setbacks on the road, including electrical problems, a fuel pump issue, and tire rubbing, requiring roadside repairs and ingenuity.

The 1000-Mile Journey Home

• 🛣️ After extensive work, the Cougar successfully completes a 1,000+ mile road trip from Texas to Iowa, showcasing its revived capabilities.
• 🚗 Despite numerous challenges, the car proves its roadworthiness, though minor issues like pedal sticking and shifter angle persist.
• ✅ The journey highlights the team's problem-solving skills and dedication to reviving the classic Cougar, culminating in its arrival home.