I saw a few photos of different '67'68 Cougars that had some type of insignia or marking on the vinyl top, behind the left and right small windows, about 4 inches above the painted fender. There also were some chrome markings on the left and right front fenders behind the wheel and in front of the door. Any idea what these were and can they be replaced?

The insignia you saw probably was the "XR-7" badge that went on the rear roof pillar for these years. The chrome badges on the fenders could be any of several markings, including "6.5 Litre" or "GT" emblems for cars equipped with the 390 ci engine or GT performance group, or "7.0-litre GT-E" emblems. All are tough to come by as new old stock, but many are available as reproductions and often show up at swap meets in used condition.

The inner hinge pivot of my passenger seat just broke. I remember reading something about a recall regarding Cougar seats that involved a reinforcement plate for the seat back hinges. What can I do to repair my seat?

Ford did recall early Cougars for a problem with the seat back bracket. It could break and cause the seat to fall backward without warning. In your case, there's a problem: The recall bracket, D7AA-69618C46A, fits the driver's seat and, to my knowledge, won't reverse to fit the passenger's side. Your only recourse is to get a replacement hinge from another seat. This, by the way, is the first I have heard of a passenger seat breaking.

I'm considering replacing all the lines on my '69 convertible with stainless steel. But a vendor, to fill my order, needs to know if my car has 8-inch or 9-inch rear end with 28 splines or a 9-inch rear end with 31 splines. My door tag says the rear is "2," or 2.75:1. How do I find size and spline information? Also, are the rear brake hoses available from parts stores?

All '69 Cougars have 9-inch rear ends and your car, unless it has a 428 engine, has a 28-spline axle. As you've found, replacement line kits, in regular and stainless steel, are available from various vendors, including Classic Tube (800-882-3711), Right Stuff Detailing (800-405-2000) and Kanter Auto Products (800-526-1096). Make sure you specify "Cougar" when you order. When replacing the lines, inspect all major brake system components and replace any that look suspect. Everything you need, including hoses, is available locally or via mail order from brake and Cougar parts vendors; check the CCOA Web site (www.cougarclub.org) for vendor contact information.

I'm trying to put the finishing touches on my '69 Cougar convertible. I'm in need of any information I can get on the size and placement of the double pinstripe as it came from the factory.

The pinstriping on a '69 is as follows: Top stripe is 1/16-inch wide, bottom stripe is 1/8-inch. Separation is 1/8-inch. The striping is placed about a half-inch from the top line of the fender. The stripes should extend a couple of inches into the front fender extension and into the rear quarter cap and be trimmed at a 45-degree downward angle. Cut the striping at the door openings, and wrap around just a little. Striping tape is available from most auto paint and body supply stores. Use white or black, depending on color of the car. Be absolutely sure you work from front to back on one side, then back to front on the other to get the wider stripe on the bottom! I can't tell you how many shops get this backward. Also: If you are clear-coating the car, it's a good idea to put the stripes on over the new paint, but under the clear coat. That way, they'll be protected.

The headlight covers on my '70 Cougar open and close properly with the engine running, but won't stay closed after I turn off the engine. They open slowly on their own. Should I replace the vacuum motor centered between the headlight covers, in the front grille area?

No, not necessarily. More than likely, you have a rust leak in the vacuum reservoir tank under the driver's side fender or a leak at the manifold "tee" behind the carburetor. Check these first. The fact that the lights will open and close when the engine is running means the vacuum motor itself is good. Remember that vacuum holds the lights closed and the reservoir provides that closing vacuum when the engine's not running. So, a leak there or elsewhere will let the covers open.

—Dick Hertzler