1963 Custom just acquired

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JCBond
Posts: 103
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:15 am

1963 Custom just acquired

Post by JCBond »

Just picked up this 1963 Custom. It has a 302 swap and a floor shifter. Going to get to work on the body.
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Joe Travers
Posts: 2424
Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:23 pm
Location: Louisiana

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by Joe Travers »

Cool JC!!! 8)

Another '63 hardtop guy :)
Hope we can kick up a little banter, find the answer to some questions about these cars. They were only made for 6 months and are rarer than hound's teeth. Hope you don't mind a PM or two about the car, later. Maybe we can help each other out a bit.

Thanks for sharing!

JT
Last edited by Joe Travers on Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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1963 1/2 Custom Hardtop
342 stroker, solid roller, T-10, 3.55 posi

lavron
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Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by lavron »

Welcome to the Forum JC, cool comet it looks like it should be a good one when you are finished.

See Ya,
Mike
Mike's build thread
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=13058
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poboyjo65
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Location: Camden, Tenn.

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by poboyjo65 »

Welcome on! :D
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Johno

popscomet
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Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2011 11:19 pm
Location: Jacksonville, Arkansas

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by popscomet »

welcome..you have a great start....pop
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pop/glenda

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Jims65cyclone
Posts: 2754
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2014 10:29 pm
Location: Lexington, SC

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by Jims65cyclone »

Welcome aboard! :D Good lookin' car. Hope you'll start a build thread so we can follow along. You say it has a floor shifter....4-speed?

Jim
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JCBond
Posts: 103
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:15 am

Thanks all!

Post by JCBond »

No, it's still a three speed.

JCBond
Posts: 103
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:15 am

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by JCBond »

Can anyone tell me exactly what the car is. Is it a 1963 Mercury comet custom 2 door Hardtop Coupe? Originally with a 260 2b? I think that is what I found out from the VIN.

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Joe Travers
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Location: Louisiana

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by Joe Travers »

If the 5th digit in the VIN is 'F', it's a 260 car.
Should have a 260 V8 badge in the grille but it may be missing. On driver's side.
Check build tag in driver's side door jam for transmission code. '1' is 3-speed, '5' is 4-speed.
It's a '63 1/2 'Sportster' hardtop, one of two models.
If it's factory buckets, console and 3 taillights per side, it's a S-22.
Two taillights per side and split bench seat is the Custom.

JT
Image

1963 1/2 Custom Hardtop
342 stroker, solid roller, T-10, 3.55 posi

JCBond
Posts: 103
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:15 am

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by JCBond »

Ok thanks. It has an F in the fifth digit and says 260 on the grill. It also has 2 taillights per side and flat backup lights on the outer side of those. It does not have the original seats. All the chrome was in the trunk and there was a emblem that said custom.

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Joe Travers
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Location: Louisiana

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by Joe Travers »

JCBond wrote:
Tue Nov 17, 2020 11:10 am
It also has 2 taillights per side and flat backup lights on the outer side of those.
Can you post a pic of the rear? Just curious about the backup lights.
I still haven't nailed down all of the options on the '63.

JT
Image

1963 1/2 Custom Hardtop
342 stroker, solid roller, T-10, 3.55 posi

JCBond
Posts: 103
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:15 am

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by JCBond »

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popscomet
Posts: 9689
Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2011 11:19 pm
Location: Jacksonville, Arkansas

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by popscomet »

BOY,she has a pretty behind,regardless of her age :shock: :lol: :) ...pop
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pop/glenda

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Joe Travers
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Location: Louisiana

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by Joe Travers »

Cool! 8)

Yeah, it's a Custom.
I don't have the backup lights on mine. Must be a custom-Custom dealer option :wink:
Here's the breakdown of the codes on the body plate-
https://www.tpocr.com/lincolnbp3.html
Thanks!

JT
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1963 1/2 Custom Hardtop
342 stroker, solid roller, T-10, 3.55 posi

JCBond
Posts: 103
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:15 am

Re: 1963 Custom just acquired

Post by JCBond »

JT, do you know the widest tire you can get on the rear end of those comets? I have some 235 60 14's. You think they will fit if I get some 14X7 inch rims?

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