410 Street Build

[410bruce]

Well, more good news. 
Started gutting what was left of the interior of the Cougar and found way more rust--not just heavy surface rust but holes and super-thin areas that you can push a finger through. It's creeping up the firewall, the passenger side A pillar is pretty junky, found holes in the roof above the windshield, inner fender splash panels falling apart etc. etc. etc.
I've decided to throw in the towel on this car and have put it up for sale. 

So now, I have a nice 410 going together and no place to put it.
Been scanning CL and FB marketplace for another suitable Ford or Mercury 2 door car but anything not needing a ton of work is way out of my price range.
I suppose I could revert back to installing it in my '89 F-150--which is what the original plan was--and would make the most sense from an economical standpoint.
BUT, I am planning a 521 stroker build for the '74 Cougar. The 460 that's in it now I built last year and has about 200 miles on it, if that. It would make a nice engine for the F-150 and would be period correct.
If I went that route, then I guess I'd put the 410 stuff up for sale. 

I don't know. I'm just feeling a little bummed and defeated at the moment.

[turbohunter]

Bummed for ya Bruce.
Lemme ask you this. How far up the firewall and do you know if the cowl is rotted also?
A quick test is to pour water down through the vents and see if it comes out below.
Also, any pics of the rust? Maybe we could help you evaluate.
I don’t know how much the Cougar platform is supported as far as metal but if it’s anything like the mustang you could build an entire car.

[410bruce]

Thanks Marc. I can get pretty much every body panel for this car but the work involved to do it will cost me a fortune I'm sure.
Here's a link to my CL ad for pictures of some of the rust.  https://humboldt.craigslist.org/pts/d/cutten-1967-mercury-cougar-parts-car/7274570911.html

[turbohunter]

Oh my, that is a project.
Seriously it looks like it would take every body panel to fix it and with rust like that I’m sure the cowl is gone too.
That’s a multi year project.
Sorry Bruce.

[Gaugster]

Bummer that this Cougar was so rough. I totally understand not wanting to deal with a total restoration though. I hope you find a good solid roller soon.

[410bruce]

Thanks guys.

[410bruce]

The Cougar build is back on! 

It turns out my friend (who also happens to be my boss) has not only a background of fabrication but also paint and body work. He's going to help me out with this thing. I ordered the floor pans this morning. 

[475fetoploader]

I’m glad you found a resource, and you’re going to fix her. This was turning into somewhat of a heartbreaker.  Good for you.

[turbohunter]

Well you have a bunch of work ahead of you, just know that. You’ll probably find more carnage under the skin.
However the feeling you have when you’ve saved a zombie is pretty darn good.
It’s a noble cause.
Good luck.

[Gaugster]

Great news! WCCC has been announcing more and more sheet metal pieces coming to market. Keep us updated.

[410bruce]

Thanks guys! Definitely will keep updates.

I know this thing will never be cherry but if it can be made structurally sound and not look like a rusty rolling dumpster, I'll be happy. 

[gregaba]

On the Cougar bodywork be sure and do the water test. I have just spent 3 years replacing all the rust in my dads 71 Ranchero and the cowls were rusted.
I repaired them but to prevent this from happening to a future owner I made 2 polycarbonite caps for the cowl vents and sealed them out. If you have factory you can't use recirculate air and will have to just use max air.
I installed a Vintage Air unit that doesn't use the fresh air vents.
Be sure to check the torque box's as when I took a small hammer to mine it went though so I had to cut out the bottom and weld in new bottoms. The sides and top were OK.
You will all so want to check the front crossmember that runs under the radiator [6 to 8 inchs back] as they are open on both ends and the dirt packs in and rust them out.
I had to use my air hammer to get the dirt out and then reweld the new bottom metal on it.
A lot of fun but will not have to worry about it again for another 50 years.
Greg

[410bruce]

The 410 is finally home and ready for assembly. The block looks awesome. The decks were considerably out of square but that was taken care of.
The heads are still at the machine shop as we are waiting on one inner valve spring to arrive. One was missing from the new Comp Cams dual spring kit.

Now, what rig was this engine going into? Hmmm.... 

[475fetoploader]

Awesome! Must feel great to be moving forward with your project.  I drag raced quite a bit late 90’s to early 2000’s. I’m getting back in the game now. Comp was my go to for many things without a problem. I have 3 sets of springs scattered on my bench right now, 30 lbs variance in each set. I never had that issue before. Interesting that you were just short a random inner. Besides the variance, they always go to the low side, so I’m shimming .030 more than anticipated.  Oops a little rant. Anyway glad you’re back in business!

[410bruce]

Thanks man! Yeah, it seems quality control has taken a hit in many aspects of life as of late. Such is the times we live in, I guess.

Cool that you're getting back into drag racing. A very family oriented pastime. I dabbled in it several years ago. It was a lot of fun.