I just checked out briefly that SoCal Cougar Club website. It's pretty interesting, especially that '68 Cougar on the home page. I'll have to go back to it at a later time and check it out some more.
I'm glad there's a club for all Cougars. It reminds of the Florida trip I went to during Spring Break '00. At Cocoa Beach, I saw a '68 Cougar parked on the street, and it was for sale. I stared at it for a while. The body was in good shape, but the paint was shot. The interior was--how can I describe it--well, it looked 32 years old. I thought about how cool it would be to have an original Cougar to go along with my '00 Cat. But just as I was enjoying daydreaming about it, my wife grabbed me and told me to forget about it.
Oh well. Some day. I always wanted a '60s muscle car like a Mustang, GTO, or Charger, but now, I'm hooked on a '68 Cougar.
My X-Grilfriend's uncle had two '68 Cats. One was in mint condition, and the other was his everyday driving car. It wasn't in great condition, but it was decent. They were nice cars.
I washed and waxed this weekend and my Cat was Very shiney. Of course, when I pull out of my garage this morning it starts to rain. To add insult to injury, since there is a drought down here we can't use water outside from 10 am till 10pm 7 days a week. Saturday morning I leave for our cruise so I'm trying to figure out when to wash my car. I want it spotless while it sits in the garage for a week. I just may have to break the law and wash her Thur when I get home from work. I hope no one in here will tell on me!!!!!! :-)
This past Friday night my friend wanted to take me out for my Birthday, so we decided to go to a local restaurant and then head over to one of the clubs. On the way from the restaurant to the club we were cruising down the highway when we came up on these 4 guys jammed in to a black Focus ZX3. The night was warm, so we had the windows down and the sunroof open. As we went to pass them they came up along side and yelled some obscenity out about my Cat. I looked at them and smiled as I throttled up and passed them. Now we were in the left lane and they were in the right two cars behind. In my rear view mirror I saw them cut around the vehicle in front of them (a mini-van) on the shoulder. They came up along side with the engine screaming, and they were once again yelling out the window. I calmly down shifter in to 3rd and nailed it, BY BY MORONS IN YOUR ZX3!!!. It was a slaughter!! Eventually I had to get in to the turning lane to exit off the highway. As we were exiting they finally passed us once again yelling out the window.
I would have thought the ZX3 was a little faster since it is directly competing with the GTI. It's a shame that FMC has put TONS of advertising in to a car that is grossly conquered by its competition. That thing would get the crap beat out of it if it went head to head with a Civic Si, or GTI. I know the basic sedan and station wagon are supposed to be a car for the masses, but the ZX3 is not going to appeal to everyone. In my opinion it's in a class of cars in which it can not compete.
Fish8, make sure you wear a black ski mask when you wash it and no one will know it was you! :^)
Badulah, I agree about the Focus, but I think FMC understands there is great aftermarket potential for it. If you look at it though, it doesn't cost as much as a Golf or a Civic, so you should have room left in your wallet to slap on a forced induction system somewhere.
Hey, two guys in a Chevy Cavalier tried to race me this past weekend on my way to Springfield, it was no match, the Cougar actually responded pretty darn well. First gear was a little slow but once I shifted to second it was no contest, I just smoked them. Personally, I think the Cougar looks faster than what it really is, but still, you get Civics and Corollas trying to compete against you, why is that?
Well how much can I even say - the kitty hasn't come in yet. I've driven one automatic once...I'm buying a stick shift (no I don't quite know how to drive it yet). So I suppose any comments on stick shift Cougars would be appreciated.
I learned to drive stick with my kitty, and now I got it down pat pretty well! I've driven both and I like the manual much better, but that's my personal opinion, depends on your taste. = ) One thing I've noticed is that the kitty doesn't like to be rushed (when shifting), it doesn't seem to like it too much, but it may also be that I need some more experience with it. But compared to some American cars, the clutch in the kitty is wonderful, you'll appreciate it around rush hour!
The CSG was originally set up for those waiting to take delivery of their Cats. I personally waited well over 4 months to receive my Cat, and I know of others who waited longer. Here you will find owners from all across the country, and we even have some members in Canada! Some members, like myself have been around for several years, and others are also new to the CSG. Pull up a chair, sit back, relax, and take sometime to go back through all of the original CSG topics for some truly GREAT Cougar information. We also have a web site, so be sure to check that out! http://home.att.net/~cougarsupportgroup
A V6 with a 5-speed trans (MTX) is truly the best combo available right now. The MTX really gives the Cougar a true sports coupe feel.
Daexpert: There is a guy who lives around me with a totally modded Cavalier. Ground effects, clear light lenses, PIA Lights, 18" tires, high gloss chrome wheels, tinted windows, HUGE Foldgers exhaust, yellow hash marks on the front quarter panels, BIG "CHEVY PERFORMANCE" sticker across the front windshield. His car looks so stupid in my rear view mirror. 8-)
Takes at least 10Kmi to loosen up the shifter, at least on mine it did. Got about 13Kmi now, and it's much better. I still have to be firm with the 1-2 shift though, it's a little notchy. The rest are very smooth.
Microkitty:
If you can walk and chew gum at the same time, you can learn to drive a stick. It just takes practice untill you get a natural feel for the action. Once you stop thinking about what you're doing, and it just happens, that's when you're really driving the car! Good luck, and welcome aboard
This is the place to hang out while you wait. I ordered my car the end of Feb. and picked it up June 1st. Your wait will be hell, theres no sugar coating it, but it will also be well worth it. Everyone here is very informative and understands. The v6 with mtx is the way to go in my opinion, I got a lot of flack about not buying an auto but I got what I wanted and thats all that matters, the same for you. Drive both and get what you are comfortable with. Good luck! Welcome aboard.
jayhawk5, minivans don't try to race me anymore, thank goodness. One time when I was in NC driving around with my girlfriend at the time, a minivan tried to race us and my a/c was on, boy, did that dude give me a run for my money! He got a heck of a jumpstart, and at the time I was driving auto (and with the a/c) on, needless to say I was almost embarrassed, but then the kitty started to catch up and not long after that I was way ahead. He did have a huge sticker on his bumper, that's like equivalent to a supercharger = ).
Welcome aboard. Yes, there is something you can do while you're passing the time waiting for your Cat to arrive. Start practicing smiling at least one hour a day. And be prepared to respond to strangers saying "nice car, cool car, nice ride, etc." Remember, you no longer have to act cool; with the Cat, you are cool.
What a happy day, despite the gloomy skies and light drizzle here in PA! After three weeks of schlepping around in what passes for a car, I now have my 2000 Cougar back in my driveway, and boy, does it look great!
The auto body shop (New Era) did an outstanding job, even washed and waxed the entire car for me. There is no way to tell that anything happened, and the new car smell survived the air bags' popping, so even the interior came out A-OK!
And yes, I am smiling-every time I look into my driveway and see my Light Sapphire Blue kitty sitting there, waiting for our next outing.
Thanks to everybody for your support in these trying times...and Happy Birthday, Badulah!
Today I noticed the hesitation you get with the a/c on. It felt like it does it alot, every couple of minutes is that normal?
I really love the way this car handles, I'm used to a suv, so it's taking some getting used to, being so low and being able to turn so sharp.
I think my kitty is possessed though........She won't stay under 80, I really have to watch her, I swear she does it herself. My husband says the officer won't accept the excuse that she is possessed when he writes the ticket and they will probably haul me off to the looney bin!
I predict a very long and intimate relationship between Max and I (my daughter named her that, it fits.) She was sooo worth the money and the wait!
Rickel, where in pa? I live in the sticks too, but being its a pretty big part of PA. The rain sucks I had my car under a EZ up tent all through the night and my GF hated having it in the Driveway, she said it looked like a flea market so I put a cover on my car, BTW, the cover you can get from the factory is sweet! fits well like a glove.
I have had mine Cougar for almost 2 years and learned to live with this slight annoynance. It mildly hestiates when the A/C compressor is on (A/C or defrost)but more noticeably, "trailer hitches" from time to time. Not enough to distract from the fun of it though.
Badulah: Maxine. You were right about the looks, some guy almost hit the guardrail on the freeway this morning looking at my car.
Catscratch: I too was going to order a cover today, my only concern is that my rear spoiler is taller than the stock one, because it's the special edition I can't get the bra for the front and I don't know if the cover will fit. Is there much room in the back?
Giddeup 50: I thought I felt it when the defroster was on, but I wasn't sure. If it is normal than thats okay, I just didn't know if something was wrong. Thanks. Thanks.
Thanks catscratch! You had me checking back a couple of posts to see if I got you confused with Fredly. I'm glad I didn't. :^)
Does the cover have a portion that fits over the wing like I'm thinking, or is it a "fluid-form" design that just has a little more fabric to compensate for the wing?
hopefully I get photos back tomorrow, my 11yr old will show me how to scan them (pretty sad huh?) I took quite a few, will pick the best ones-without me in them! My neighbor was taking them while I was washing max on Sunday, I just rolled out of bed, had holes in my sweats, hair in a pony tail...Pretty!
Well, I'd to help you more, but mine is on order. Parts guy said custom-fit, but he didn't ask if I had the spoiler or not, so I'd assume they're made to fit w/ the spoiler. Whether they are free-flowing or spoiler "pocket" I cannot say... Let's kick it over to Fredly for the details
Comments
I'm glad there's a club for all Cougars. It reminds of the Florida trip I went to during Spring Break '00. At Cocoa Beach, I saw a '68 Cougar parked on the street, and it was for sale. I stared at it for a while. The body was in good shape, but the paint was shot. The interior was--how can I describe it--well, it looked 32 years old. I thought about how cool it would be to have an original Cougar to go along with my '00 Cat. But just as I was enjoying daydreaming about it, my wife grabbed me and told me to forget about it.
Oh well. Some day. I always wanted a '60s muscle car like a Mustang, GTO, or Charger, but now, I'm hooked on a '68 Cougar.
I'm glad to hear the both of you are doing fine. Your wait was long, but i'm sure you'll agree that it was worth it.
Thanks for the B-Day wish!
Happy birthday to you.....
Happy Birthday dear badulah
Happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!!
I would have thought the ZX3 was a little faster since it is directly competing with the GTI. It's a shame that FMC has put TONS of advertising in to a car that is grossly conquered by its competition. That thing would get the crap beat out of it if it went head to head with a Civic Si, or GTI. I know the basic sedan and station wagon are supposed to be a car for the masses, but the ZX3 is not going to appeal to everyone. In my opinion it's in a class of cars in which it can not compete.
Badulah, I agree about the Focus, but I think FMC understands there is great aftermarket potential for it. If you look at it though, it doesn't cost as much as a Golf or a Civic, so you should have room left in your wallet to slap on a forced induction system somewhere.
I learned to drive stick with my kitty, and now I got it down pat pretty well! I've driven both and I like the manual much better, but that's my personal opinion, depends on your taste. = ) One thing I've noticed is that the kitty doesn't like to be rushed (when shifting), it doesn't seem to like it too much, but it may also be that I need some more experience with it. But compared to some American cars, the clutch in the kitty is wonderful, you'll appreciate it around rush hour!
Welcome to the CSG!!!
The CSG was originally set up for those waiting to take delivery of their Cats. I personally waited well over 4 months to receive my Cat, and I know of others who waited longer. Here you will find owners from all across the country, and we even have some members in Canada! Some members, like myself have been around for several years, and others are also new to the CSG. Pull up a chair, sit back, relax, and take sometime to go back through all of the original CSG topics for some truly GREAT Cougar information. We also have a web site, so be sure to check that out!
http://home.att.net/~cougarsupportgroup
A V6 with a 5-speed trans (MTX) is truly the best combo available right now. The MTX really gives the Cougar a true sports coupe feel.
Daexpert:
There is a guy who lives around me with a totally modded Cavalier. Ground effects, clear light lenses, PIA Lights, 18" tires, high gloss chrome wheels, tinted windows, HUGE Foldgers exhaust, yellow hash marks on the front quarter panels, BIG "CHEVY PERFORMANCE" sticker across the front windshield. His car looks so stupid in my rear view mirror. 8-)
Microkitty:
If you can walk and chew gum at the same time, you can learn to drive a stick. It just takes practice untill you get a natural feel for the action. Once you stop thinking about what you're doing, and it just happens, that's when you're really driving the car! Good luck, and welcome aboard
Skip G.
Almost forgot to welcome you back. Glad to hear you had a good trip!
It's good to have you back in the loop!
Badulah- Happy Birthday. I'm about 5 1/2 weeks older than you.
check out BEATERz.com
happy birthday badman.
Badulah - happy birthday. Remember, it is mind over matter. If the mind stays young, it doesn't matter what the body does. All the best.
So your saying i'm getting old?
From your viewpoint, I'M OLD!! But, the older I get, the better I was! I'll be 58 in July
Skip G.
Does that make me Antique, Vintage, Classic, or Collectable?
On the bright side, I'm starting to get some senior discounts
Skip G.
Happy belated b-day, guy! As for your encounter with that ZX2, I guess some folks can't handle the envy of seeing someone else in a cougar;-}.
Welcome aboard. Yes, there is something you can do while you're passing the time waiting for your Cat to arrive. Start practicing smiling at least one hour a day. And be prepared to respond to strangers saying "nice car, cool car, nice ride, etc." Remember, you no longer have to act cool; with the Cat, you are cool.
Badman:
Belated birthday.
Happy Belated Birthday!!!
Skip G.
The auto body shop (New Era) did an outstanding job, even washed and waxed the entire car for me. There is no way to tell that anything happened, and the new car smell survived the air bags' popping, so even the interior came out A-OK!
And yes, I am smiling-every time I look into my driveway and see my Light Sapphire Blue kitty sitting there, waiting for our next outing.
Thanks to everybody for your support in these trying times...and Happy Birthday, Badulah!
I really love the way this car handles, I'm used to a suv, so it's taking some getting used to, being so low and being able to turn so sharp.
I think my kitty is possessed though........She won't stay under 80, I really have to watch her, I swear she does it herself. My husband says the officer won't accept the excuse that she is possessed when he writes the ticket and they will probably haul me off to the looney bin!
I predict a very long and intimate relationship between Max and I (my daughter named her that, it fits.) She was sooo worth the money and the wait!
The rain sucks I had my car under a EZ up tent all through the night and my GF hated
having it in the Driveway, she said it looked like a flea market
so I put a cover on my car, BTW, the cover you can get from the factory is sweet!
fits well like a glove.
Good morning everyone!
Rickel:
Glad you have your Cat back! Owner and Kitty weren't meant to be separated for long periods of time like that.
Malibu:
Max As in Maxwell, or Maxine? We need the full details please.
Skip G:
I was just bustin on you!! Actually i'm not know to join many organizations either.
Catscratch: I too was going to order a cover today, my only concern is that my rear spoiler is taller than the stock one, because it's the special edition I can't get the bra for the front and I don't know if the cover will fit. Is there much room in the back?
Giddeup 50: I thought I felt it when the defroster was on, but I wasn't sure. If it is normal than thats okay, I just didn't know if something was wrong. Thanks.
Thanks.
Any pictures of Maxine developed yet?
I'll look into getting a cover for my kitty...are they available online, or is this something I'll need to go to a dealer for?
Blue skies and sunshine today! Just in time for my "reacquaintance" outing with my Cat!
Rick
PS
And that invitation goes out to everyone else!!!
Does the cover have a portion that fits over the wing like I'm thinking, or is it a "fluid-form" design that just has a little more fabric to compensate for the wing?
>;-}