Like most restorations I am sure there is a good story to be told. I will attempt to share with you some of the more amusing parts of this "labor of love" by writing this little biographical sketch. I know someone else will know how I feel because the COUGAR has come to life due to all the blood, sweat, and tears poured into her over the last three years.

I will begin with the purchase of the car. The COUGAR had 149,000 miles registered and was in good shape compared to most I had seen. The rear quarters would have to be replaced to have a quality show type car. The fender wells were rusted out in the rear and needed to be replaced with good sheet metal. My evaluation was--(1) need to overhaul the engine, (2) will replace the rear quarters, (3) will weld the rear fender wells, (4) will repaint.

What did I know about what I was getting myself into? I had never attempted to restore a car before. DID I LEARN FAST!!!

I did not know--

1. My wife would go nuts yelling about the junk I bought & how it makes the neighborhood look bad.

2. My main man (son), Mark would want to replace everything in the car, to him money was no object. (He was spending mine).

3. Some work had to be farmed out, like replacing the leaf springs on the rear. Estimate--about $150.00, actual cost--$300.00. WHAT HAPPENED!! I know my son must have had those springs gold plated!

4. Being a golfer, I figured I could spend a few weekends golfing along with my new hobby of restoring my Cougar. WRONG! I was in the bone yard looking for parts. It was that or divorce court & I sure couldn't afford a divorce! All I heard was when are you going to get that thing running.

5. My last word is Vacation--We took one to Florida which we always do every September. I was not having good luck finding two rear quarters. I went to a bone yard in Florida & you got it, I found a quarter for only $90.00. 1 was driving a VW. The quarter was almost bigger than the car. So with protest from my lovely wife, I strapped it to the top of the car & drove it to Chicago. Iv you remember Chevy Chase's movie "Vacation", remember the aunt who died & was put on the roof of the station wagon, well, everyone who asked was advised of my "aunt".

I can say for sure it has been a real experience. I enjoyed the project. So when people look at me & ask if we want to sell it--I JUST GLARE AT THEM!