1963 Custom Sportster

[Joe Travers]

Hello!

I'm an old guy, just bought a 1963 Comet Hardtop Sportster w/ a very strong 289 conversion. This is my 3rd Comet, the 1st being a '65 Cyclone back in the late 80's and a '65 202 sedan shortly afterwards. Sold both cars in the 90's and gave up the hobby due to lack of funds to complete restorations. Finally decided to purchase a bucket list car to drive for the duration and purchased the '63 just this last weekend.

The '63 is a #3 car, good daily driver but I already see things that need some work to keep this an enjoyable experience. I was hoping to drive it and tinker on it as I mosey along but there aren't many guys around that still know a thing or two about these old cars. That's why I'm here, to reacquaint myself with the old cars w/ other car guys that could share some knowledge and hang out occasionally.

Been a FoMoCo lover for a long time and have owned countless old cars and trucks during the 70's-90's.

JT

[poboyjo65]

Welcome on JT! you have found a good place with those others guys !

[Joe Travers]

Nice '65 Caliente, PoBoy!

I found my Cyclone totally restored a few years after I sold it. It was a complete rust bucket from the Texas coast when I bought it. Saved it from a field of Johnson grass 8 feet high beside an old body shop.

Nice to see these old rods kept alive!

JT

[lavron]

Welcome to the Forum JT.

I think it comes down to what you want out of an old car, it doesn't have to be that expensive (relative) if one is willing to do a little sweat equity and turn a few wrenches on their own, if someone has to farm everything out to professionals the cost will add up pretty dramatically.

While I have spent enough money building my Comet when I am finished I will have something totally uniquely mine, there is not a nut or bolt on this car I have not touched so I pretty much know it inside and out, things may not be perfect and showroom when I am done but if they were I would be afraid to drive it.

Good Luck!

See Ya,
Mike

[SASSY]

Welcome! Realy like your idea of drivin it and puttering on what needs attention to keep it runnin.
Are we gonna get to see it?I
Fred

[Jims65cyclone]

Welcome aboard! I'm working on my second Cyclone. The first one was 50 years ago. We'd love to see some pics. Here's a link on how to post them.
https://www.cometcentral.com/forum/view ... =1&t=16011

Jim

[Joe Travers]

You guys wanted pictures, here's the car on the trailer coming home.

Time for a burger break after the pickup and a 6 hour drive.

Solid-lifter 289, AFR 58cc heads w/ 2.02 valves, Performer Rpm intake, 650 Edelbrock double-pumper, Hooker headers, MSD ignition.

T-10 4-speed with a pretty short gear. Around 4.00:1. Trying to get the clutch dialed in now,

[poboyjo65]

Sounds like a fun little car !

[SASSY]

Had me at solid lifter 289!!
Great lookin car,, welcome to the red Comet club,lol
Actually no such club but there could be!
Fred

[Groover]

Very nice car, welcome aboard. Can't wait to see where you driver her.

[Joe Travers]

I think it comes down to what you want out of an old car, it doesn't have to be that expensive (relative) if one is willing to do a little sweat equity and turn a few wrenches on their own, if someone has to farm everything out to professionals the cost will add up pretty dramatically.

While I have spent enough money building my Comet when I am finished I will have something totally uniquely mine, there is not a nut or bolt on this car I have not touched so I pretty much know it inside and out, things may not be perfect and showroom when I am done but if they were I would be afraid to drive it.

Thanks for having me, Mike!

I flipped many vehicles from '78-'98, almost exclusively FoMoCo. My first car in '74 was a '62 Galaxie. The last one I sold was the '65 Cyclone, which was my favorite of all. They were all unrestored originals that I tinkered with and drove until I found something different. Didn't make money, just had fun. I don't know how much wrenching I'm going to be doing with a bad back. Going to be farming out work, more than likely, so yeah, get out the wallet.

I bought the '63 because it was built exactly as I would have built it, if you know what I mean.

JT

[tomb22]

Love the color. Had a .030 over 289 with solid lifters in a 63 Fairlane with a T10-4 speed. I still wish I hadn't rolled it.
tom

[Joe Travers]

Maybe Sassy is right. Red Comet Club?

Thinking about returning mine to original Black if I move further North.
Too hot down here for black cars. Owned a couple black Mustangs years ago.
James Brown hot tub. Too Hot!!!

Nice cars, guys!

JT

[tweaked]

Welcome, cool looking comet.
Roger

[Joe Travers]

Love that paint theme, Roger!

Rather unique. Never have seen that one before. Cool digs!

JT