Topic: 1969 cougar underdash wiring question

[Coralsnake]

Is it correct to say the XR7 is the equivalent of a GT Mustang?

How many different underdash harnesses were used on the 1969 Cougars?

[J_Speegle]

Is it correct to say the XR7 is the equivalent of a GT Mustang?

I think the equivalent was closer to the Mach I package rather than the GT since the Mach I included different interior features as well as suspension and exterior where the GT package had no upgrade/changes to the interior of a Mustang ordered with that package

How many different underdash harnesses were used on the 1969 Cougars?

Would only guess that you would have the four different types as you did in Mustangs during 69 but I can't be sure.

Thing there is a factory (large format) wiring book around that covers both Mustang and Cougar but would guess that you already have a copy of that book also.

If not could toss it in the luggage for later in the week so you could get a look at it

[Coralsnake]

Thanks for the information. I know a few Shelbys got the Cougar dash installed, so I am doing a little research on the interchange. I will let you know what I find.

[midlife]

Thanks for the information. I know a few Shelbys got the Cougar dash installed, so I am doing a little research on the interchange. I will let you know what I find.

From the factory?  Wow...

I have converted a 69 Cougar to Mustang underdash harness and vowed never to attempt to do that again; there were too many changes, even for the simplest of Cougar harnesses.  There's at least two if not three or more different Cougar harnesses for almost every year.  I believe in 69 there are subtle changes in the dash cluster connector wiring, which uses different colored circuit boards on the back of the dash clusters, even though the clusters themselves are the same.  Talk about a cluster-f@!*

[krelboyne]

I believe there are 8 different 1969 Mercury Cougar under dash harnesses (Ford number 14401).
There are early and late versions. Identified by the color of the plug, either white or black, which must match the printed circuit board of the instrument cluster. Red printed circuit boards go with white plugs, blue printed circuit boards go with black plugs.
XR7 (and Eliminator) is different than Standard model Cougars.
Additionally, all versions came with or without air conditioning.

I knew about the Quarter Horse Mustang, but not the Shelby's with Cougar dash.

[Coralsnake]

Can you explain early to late changes?

Very helpful.

Interesting the Cougar AC is integral and the mustang is an add on....

To the best of my knowledge there were four 1969 Shelbys fitted with the Cougar dashes. All were engineering cars.

[krelboyne]

The plugs to the instrument cluster are pinned differently. Grounds are in a different locations. You will let the smoke out of your overlay immediately, if you have the wrong one.

Early should be the black plug and blue printed circuit board.

Red printed circuit boards were used generally after Feb 1969 and on into 1970 on the XR7.

[Coralsnake]

Thanks, very good information

[Coralsnake]

I have been comparing the 1969 XR7 early harness with the 1969 Mustang tach harness. While they are similar, there are some fundamental differences.

The first is the two plugs to the tail light harness. The Cougar runs three extra circuits from the turn signal to the rear of the car. It is of course made for the sequential lights. The Mustang is not.

The second is addition of the dash switches for the Cougar.

The dash pod is pinned differently, adding some circuits like the seat belt warning light.

Im going to try to track down the Mustang /Cougar dash cars to see what harness they used.