1963 Custom Sportster
- Joe Travers
- Posts: 2433
- Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:23 pm
- Location: Louisiana
1963 Custom Sportster
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
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
- Joe Travers
- Posts: 2433
- Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:23 pm
- Location: Louisiana
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
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
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
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
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
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
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
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
Are we gonna get to see it?I
Fred
- Jims65cyclone
- Posts: 2764
- Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2014 10:29 pm
- Location: Lexington, SC
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
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
https://www.cometcentral.com/forum/view ... =1&t=16011
Jim
- Joe Travers
- Posts: 2433
- Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:23 pm
- Location: Louisiana
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
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,
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,
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
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
Great lookin car,, welcome to the red Comet club,lol
Actually no such club but there could be!
Fred
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
Very nice car, welcome aboard. Can't wait to see where you driver her.
1964 Comet Caliente Convertible
30,000 miles on our rebuild
All Comets start out as dreams...
- Joe Travers
- Posts: 2433
- Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:23 pm
- Location: Louisiana
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
Thanks for having me, Mike!lavron wrote: ↑Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:25 pmI 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.
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
Re: 1963 Custom Sportsteve
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
tom
- Joe Travers
- Posts: 2433
- Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:23 pm
- Location: Louisiana
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
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
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
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
Welcome, cool looking comet.
Roger
Roger
65 comet 7.61@96mph 1/8
Made in Canada, Built for speed.
Tweaked65 on instagram
https://youtu.be/JCVwEitXSi4
Made in Canada, Built for speed.
Tweaked65 on instagram
https://youtu.be/JCVwEitXSi4
- Joe Travers
- Posts: 2433
- Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:23 pm
- Location: Louisiana
Re: 1963 Custom Sportster
Love that paint theme, Roger!
Rather unique. Never have seen that one before. Cool digs!
JT
Rather unique. Never have seen that one before. Cool digs!
JT