97 Cougar 30th anniversary

[Kidd-7]

I'm picking up a 97 Cougar 30th anniversary edition this week. Here's the lowdown: 77K miles very clean inside and out; 4.6L V8; all power leather interior and a tape deck. I need the drivers seat reupholstered; the pass door hangs low, but I can see no damage to the hinges; the drivers door handle is busted; having a hard time finding 1. There is a rubbing sound from the pass side front end when steering and possible a worn bearing. I'm going to change the fluids; oil, tranny, coolant, fix those previously stated and probably a tune up; replace the head unit, speakers & possibly and amp w/ subs. Anyone have experience with these? Any ideas on were to find the door handle? Ford dealer states its discontinued and no dice from any local bone yard. Its going to be my wife's daily driver. Thanks.

[Torrey72]

For the door handle (I'm not sure?) I would try to see if a 97 Crown Victoria handle will fit functionally. Auto makers try to keep most parts interchangeable to keep production costs down. You can find all kinds of old cop car Crown Vic's in junk yards.

[Kidd-7]

Good point; according to what I've found it only T-birds & cougars, I think I've found some at a local bone yard though. We'll see if they come through.

[Kidd-7]

I did find a door handle at a bone yard for this. Its the wrong color, but the guy that is doing my bodywork will paint it for me. Also, go the interior together, waiting on the seat from the upholstery shop and will be having him touch up the pass seat also. Pulled the wheels to check things out and start changing fluids, found a crack spring. So now I'm thinking replace springs shocks & struts. Was planning on installing lowering springs next summer anyway. So just spending the $$ earlier. See pics...