65' Comet Caliente Owner

[Perry-65]

Hey Guys,
I am a newcomer to the Mercury Comet world. I bought mine from a very nice older guy out of Nevada. It is a great start but still needs some work. It is definitely fast with some good drivetrain aftermarket resto parts. The car now lives in Colorado and I plan to enjoy the hell out of it.

The build was out of 2008-2009 so the car is starting to show some wear. I found a couple of very small rusted spots behind the rear wheels in the quarters and some surface rust on the floor boards. The Trunk is solid and the car has lived most of its life in the desert.

I am looking for the following parts and would love recommendations on where to buy from:
• Plastic Dash Bezel - Radio Trim - Glove Box Trim (these are original and look cracked and worn)
• A good weather stripping kit for the doors / windows
• A good recommendation on a wiring harness for these cars.

I am sure there is more but this is just the start.



Engine:
Stock Bloc 351W – laser cut main support
D&D crate engine, 408 cubic inches
4.030 bore, 4 inch stroke
All forged, crank, pistons, rods ( build sheet available)
Hawk aluminum heads 210 intake 2.02/1.60 valves
Hydraulic Roller cam ( Comp. cams 236/240 -.555 - .576)
100 amp alternator
Edelbrock RPM air gap intake
Summit carb (750 double pumper)
Stefs 6-qt. Aluminum oil pan
Griffin Aluminum radiator – two 1” rows
Flex mechanical fan
Mallory Hyfire 6A ignition box – Mallory unilite distributor
FRPP starter and FRPP crankshaft dampener

Transmission:
Tremec TKO 600 5 speed manual
Tri-Axe shifter
Centerforce dual friction clutch
Aluminum flywheel
Ron Morris cable clutch
Aluminum bell housing

Rear End:
Original Ford 8”rear. Converted from open to Positraction
3.50 gears

Exhaust:
1-3/4” custom headers. Ceramic coated
3” dual exhaust
Flowmaster mufflers
Sounds awesome

Suspension:
All new front and rear suspension ( professional installed); receipts available. PST polygraphite superkit installed
KYB shocks, heavy duty springs, new 5-leaf rear springs, Shelby traction bars
Crites shock towner kit, 1’ sway bar, Monte Carlo bar
Sub-frame connectors

Brakes:
Front disc brakes with power assist, dual masters
Stock OEM drum rear brakes

Wheels:
Centerline Telstar 15x7, aluminum

Tires:
Front: B.F. Goodrich Traction TAs, VR (205/65-15)
Rear: Firestone Indy 500 (235/60-15)

Interior:
Custom seats (bucket) and Door Panels
Gauges – (tach, vacuum, oil pressure, voltmeter, temp) aftermarket AutoMeter gauges
Original dash and new carpet
Sanyo cassette stereo with kick panel and dash pad speakers
Grant Wood steering wheel
Lokar gas pedal

Exterior:

Custom orange paint (urethane, clear coat)
OEM bumpers rechromed
Crites AFX fiberglass hood (ram air)
New front windshield and molding
Rear window removed – new molding installed

My other Hot Rod is a 1955 Ford F100 that I finally got on the road last year. It is always undergoing surgery! =)

[poboyjo65]

Welcome on! I love your plan! & the car, & the truck too. I had a 53 way back,still kickin my self for lettin it go.

Good luck with the dash pieces , I have been told to get dennis carpenter weather stripping but several venders have other brands. dearborn classics,autokrafters,macs,melvins, falcon parts are places to get them & other repopped stuff. there is a place that can redo you old wiring harness if you want to keep it stock or aftermarket can help too.

You can not post too many pics, just isn't possible .we love em!

[popscomet]

WELCOME,great comet and truck.....both look mighty spiffy.......pop

[albert]

Two of my favorites, you are fortunate to have these.............enjoy

[lavron]

Welcome aboard, great pair of rides you have, the Comet is super nice and has an impressive list of upgrades.

See Ya,
Mike

[Perry-65]

Thanks guys, I am sure that I will have plenty of questions. I am not liking the fact that I cannot find a dash trim replacement anywhere! Ugghh

[poboyjo65]

Yea I've been not liking that for several years. You can have them redone but expensive & since your old one is 50 years brittle there is a chance it wont come back in one piece. in 5 years I've only seen one on ebay that was redone went for 600. have seen offers to redo yours a few times on there. If your just looking for one to redo, without damage they come up on ebay pretty regularly,about one or two a month.

[Jims65cyclone]

Welcome aboard! Your Comet looks great, and it appears there's been no stone unturned as far as mechanical upgrades. The truck ain't too shabby, either. Like John said, the instrument bezel will take a lot of time and money to find one in good shape. Automotive plastics technology still had a long way to go in the 60's. It just couldn't hold up to the heat and UV. We love the pics, so keep them coming. Lift the petticoats and give us a peak underneath.
Jim