My Cyclone build

The Era of The Square Body Racing Comets
Tommy-T
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2020 1:45 pm

My Cyclone build

Post by Tommy-T »

I just introduced myself to this forum last week. I've already placed a wanted add (for a headlight ring) so I thought I should post the car I'm building.
It's a '65 Cyclone that was tubbed back in the Pro Street days and first fitted with a 351C and then later with a 351W. I got the car when the drivetrain was disassebled and it sat for several years.
I had known of this car for several years and always admired the look of the Comet. My wife, Mrs.-T, has always had a "thing" for stacked headlight cars whatever the make. Seems it had to be a good mix.
I have built several Pro Street cars. I built a '67 Mustang 2+2, and a tubbed '56 T-Bird both with FE power. The Comet is going to ultimately have a 482 inch FE as well. The motor that's going in it first is a 428 inch FE with427 Low Riser heads and a M/T cross ram fitted with 4 Holleys 2V's. I always wanted a straight axle car so this one wins. I've got a ways to go. Here's some pics.
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Tommy-T
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2020 1:45 pm

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by Tommy-T »

I suppose I should post a pic or 2 of the Frankenstein 428 ass well.
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Jims65cyclone
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Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2014 10:29 pm
Location: Lexington, SC

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by Jims65cyclone »

That is quite the carburetor setup! :shock: Must say I've not seen a setup like that before. It wouldn't even need to run to create a stir at the local cruise-in. 8)

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

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by popscomet »

all this !! OL POP likes :D ………...pop
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pop/glenda

tomb22
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Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2016 8:11 pm

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by tomb22 »

Wow!!! that's quite the motor. You going to race this car?
tom
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tomb's 65

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

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by popscomet »

I would like to know size of rear tires,,,whl tub size and what cfm are those carbs ???????....POP has a 64 comet with 40in tubs and 33x19.5 tires,,,solid lift 351 4spd,,,,,thank you POP
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pop/glenda

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poboyjo65
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Re: My Cyclone build

Post by poboyjo65 »

WOW cool car & groovy motor! :)
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Johno

Tommy-T
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2020 1:45 pm

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by Tommy-T »

Thanks for the kind words. That's what keeps me motivated.

I ran the intake for several years on my '56 T-Bird in its "normal" configuration. That car had a 428CJ shortblock, solid cam, and Edelbrock heads. I always thought it would work better and look cool will sideways 2V carbs so I had a friend "slice 'n dice" the intake. It has Holley 4412 carbs. The Frankenstein 428 is a D4TE 390 block bored to 4.130 and filled to the water pump holes, 1U 428 crank, and Oregon cams solid flat tappet .580 lift 250@.050 cam. The heads are ported C3AE-D 427 Low Riser and the headers will be 2" fenderwell.
A 482" side oiler awaits its turn.

The wheel tubbs are big. When I got the car it had Centerline Convo Pro 15x15 wheels and Hoosier 31x18.5 Quick time tires. A bit large for a nostalgia type build, I've changed it to 31x 13 Pro Trac tires on Cragar SS 15x12 wheels. Still to big for a vintage gasser type build but I'm not going to un-tubb the car. The 4-link coil over shock rear suspension will remain, but eventually I would like to install long old school ladder bars.

The car will be licensed and insured to drive here in California. It will see some track time, but I really love car shows and driving. I've never had a Mercury and it is surprising how different they are from Fords.

Anybody else here from SoCal?
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Kingspeedy2
Posts: 272
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2015 2:36 pm

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by Kingspeedy2 »

Looks like a great and exciting project, and not ordinary by any meaning of the word. I got some great advice from an older wiser guy who had a very correct 65 convertible restoration .He told me "Make it your own,you will have these old fuddy duddies who say this isn't right or that isn't right " "who gives a bleep ..bleep bleep" He had some dude grab the front fender extension of his freshly painted car and was yanking it saying "this alignment is way off " I would have re-aligned him . Sure as shooting some arm chair mechanic is going to say "It waaay over carbureted " don't worry about those guys.. I look forward to seeing your progress

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

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by popscomet »

POP has always said,,,I let ford build it their way,,then when it's mine,,I'll build it my way !!! and have been asked many times about the 2x4's on my 289 comet being to much,,I just tell them ...that ain't your average 289 under those 2 4's....in fact they work so well,,,,same thing is on my 289 cobra kit car,,,,,,keep on keeping on...I love it !!! POP
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pop/glenda

Tommy-T
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2020 1:45 pm

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by Tommy-T »

Got some more done on the Comet.
Fiberglassed my wheel tubbs to the body and Herculined the inside. Painted the framerails and sheetmetal underneath. Had my pumpkin rebuilt with a Detroit Locker and 3.70 gears. Put new heim joints and bolts in the 4-link. Installed new brake shoes, springs and hardware, and wheel cylinders. Had my Aldan coil over shocks rebuilt and replaced the springs.

Next it goes to the sheetmetal man for front floors, firewall, and trans tunnel.
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Tommy-T
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2020 1:45 pm

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by Tommy-T »

Got my firewall, trans tunnel and front floors done.
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Tommy-T
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2020 1:45 pm

Re: My Cyclone build

Post by Tommy-T »

Took the Comet to Ellis Fabrication for headers and exhaust. I wanted a gasser style fenderwell header and some Cherry Bomb mufflers. I think it came out pretty good.
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lavron
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Re: My Cyclone build

Post by lavron »

This is a really cool build, thanks for sharing it with everyone here, keep us updated.

See Ya,
Mike
Mike's build thread
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=13058
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poboyjo65
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Re: My Cyclone build

Post by poboyjo65 »

lavron wrote:
Fri Jan 01, 2021 12:44 pm
This is a really cool build, thanks for sharing it with everyone here, keep us updated.

See Ya,
Mike
DITTO ! ! !
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Johno

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