I finally got around to installing the Export Brace on the Cougar.  I had bought it to stiffen up the front end and stop the shock towers from flexing. Obviously when I get the time to redo the car for her, all of this will get removed, a new front suspension from Global West installed, more than a likely a new fuel injected Blueprint small block installed and everything cleaned up and painted; but for now it's usable for her.

Good Job, Joe.  The new strut brace looks a lot more robust than the original.  You are one lucky guy to have a gal who also loves cars, and she is a lucky gal to have someone who can handle all repairs and upgrades right there at home.  That is an old fashioned Win-Win right there.

Dave   

 

The seats in my wife's Cougar, look good in pictures but were sagging. It was especially worse on the drivers side and she would sit on a pillow to drive. Also, the vinyl was hard and the passenger seat had a tear at one of the seams. If you look at the outside edge of the drivers seat, you can see that the foam gas pulled apart from years of use:



So, I ordered some covers, new foam and burlap and decided to recover them.



I started taking pictures when I pulled them apart, mostly for reference, I also tried to take pictures as I rebuilt them. Unfortunately, I got so tied up in the moment trying to get them done, I didn't take a lot of pics as I was working.



You can see where the foam was pulling apart on the sides:







I bolted the seat track on after I assembled the bottom, but needed to pull the sides in a little more, so back at it:




The vinyl is a little wrinkly but should tighten up after being in the sun



The foam was deteriorating on the top also:





The burlap on the top was in real nice shape, so I installed the new foam over it...





Just need to attach the bottom and attach it to the lower seat cushion



The finished product after a day in the sun:

SWEET! Bet you get a bowl of ice cream after dinner tonight as a reward! 

Hope you sell your old parts to someone that needs them.  If you have been doing this for a while, you know what a task chasing odd parts can be.

Yes, especially for the Cougars, anything that is not a crossover from the Mustang is crazy $$$$$

While I was in San Diego I went there with a list of just about every piece or rubber for my Fairlane Club Coupe.
Over the years most of the rubber was either missing, torn or just brittle.
Most times when I go shopping for stuff like this I get "we can order it " or some other lame excuse.
Good prices also.
They had everything!
Matthew answers the phone and Clayton is the sales manager.

Quote from: KennyOne on 2026-10-21 18:07While I was in San Diego I went there with a list of just about every piece or rubber for my Fairlane Club Coupe.
Over the years most of the rubber was either missing, torn or just brittle.
Most times when I go shopping for stuff like this I get "we can order it " or some other lame excuse.
Good prices also.
They had everything!
Matthew answers the phone and Clayton is the sales manager.

KennyOne........."I went there"......where is There?

8554 Commerce Ave
San Diego Ca.
866 789 7879
Fax 888 582 2767
Sales@rubbertherightway.com
Use their on line catalog to locate what you need.
Rubber The Right Way

Thanks for the contact information.
John