Vehicle Segment:
Personal Luxury Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, classic car owners, mechanics specializing in vintage Fords
Competitors 1968:
Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Plymouth Barracuda, AMC Javelin
Vehicle Usp:
Stylish, sporty personal luxury coupe offering a blend of performance and comfort.
Manual Usp:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and maintenance guidance for the 1968 Cougar, enabling self-sufficiency in upkeep.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical Repair and Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Electrical Systems, Body and Chassis
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Specific count not provided, but implied to be extensive)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Delivery Format:
PDF via Email Link
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery (carburetor), ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, and overhaul
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, rear axle assembly, universal joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (drum and potential early disc), hydraulic systems, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system (generator/alternator), starting system, instrumentation, accessories
Body Chassis:
Chassis components, body panels, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, weatherstripping
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustment
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures for identifying the root cause of issues
Illustrations:
Numerous illustrations and diagrams to aid understanding
Searchability:
Searchable PDF format for quick access to information
Printability:
Printable pages for hands-on use in the workshop
Base Engine 1968:
289 cu in (4.7L) V8
Optional Engines 1968:
302 cu in (5.0L) V8, 390 cu in (6.4L) V8, 427 cu in (7.0L) V8 (performance variants)
Horsepower 289:
Approx. 200 hp (varies by carb/tune)
Torque 289:
Approx. 282 lb-ft (varies by carb/tune)
Carburetion:
Typically 2-barrel or 4-barrel Autolite carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (as available in 1968, leaded was common)
Standard Transmission:
3-speed Manual (often column shift)
Optional Transmission 1:
4-speed Manual (e.g., Toploader)
Optional Transmission 2:
3-speed Automatic (SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Mercon (or equivalent for automatic transmissions of the era, e.g., Type F)
Crash Test Ratings:
No formal ratings available from modern agencies for this era; built to 1960s safety standards.
Brakes Type:
Front drum brakes standard; front disc brakes optional/standard on higher trims.
Seat Belts:
Lap belts standard; shoulder belts optional/not universally equipped.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column for improved impact protection.
Audio System:
AM radio standard, FM stereo optional; aftermarket upgrades common.
Power Steering:
Optional on smaller engines, standard on larger V8s.
Power Brakes:
Optional, especially with front disc brakes.
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards; primarily mechanical and basic electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (recommendation based on era and modern understanding)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles (spark plugs, points, condenser, filters)
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (for engines not requiring break-in oil additives)
Coolant Spec:
50/50 Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze/Coolant and distilled water
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (ensure compatibility with original seals)
Common Wear Items:
Upholstery, weather stripping, suspension bushings, carburetor tuning, electrical contacts
Potential Corrosion Areas:
Wheel wells, door bottoms, chassis frame rails, trunk floor.
Ford Legacy:
Ford Motor Company, a long-standing American automotive manufacturer with a history of innovation and mass production.
Cougar Introduction:
Introduced in 1967 as a more luxurious and performance-oriented sibling to the Mustang, targeting the personal luxury segment.
Cougar 1968 Changes:
Minor styling updates, including grille revisions, new taillights, and side marker lights for 1968, reflecting evolving safety regulations.
Production Location:
Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1967-1973 (First Generation)
