1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

The Era of The Square Body Racing Comets
Darrylp27529
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2023 2:55 pm

Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Darrylp27529 »

Been transferring the accessories to the new motor. Hopefully it goes in for good in a couple weeks. The motor has better specs than I was chasing and it comes with a warranty and arrived 3 days. Undecided about the 289. Since it’s already apart it seems to make sense to get the machining work done. I could save it for the next project…. I basically have all the accessories to put it together too.
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Darrylp27529
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2023 2:55 pm

Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Darrylp27529 »

Hoping to drop the engine in this weekend.
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SASSY
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by SASSY »

Look at that and I get a little green,,,
I'd rather do it myself if it's done right or not,,,isn't that what hotrodding is all about
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Darrylp27529
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Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2023 2:55 pm

Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Darrylp27529 »

So the engine is in the Comet and the transmission hooked up so making progress. I worked on the ebrake tonight and got it connected but there is a problem. I think it would take a gorilla to be able to pull it by hand. Thinking a lever arm about 3 feet long or try using a foot pedal actuated ebrake. I think Jim converted his to a foot pedal. Wondering if the 65 Mustang ebrake foot pedal would work.... looking for some guidance.
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A/FX
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Location: S.E. Wisconsin

Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by A/FX »

You’re making great progress, looking good!
As for the parking brake, I did convert mine to a pedal instead of the under dash lever, I used an after market unit from Control Cables. I would recommend you look for a pedal assembly that has a release lever, the one I used is released by pushing the pedal after the brake is set. ( difficult when trying to use the clutch at the same time)
As for linkage I could not use the stock Comet parts because the rear calipers on my car needed more travel than the stock linkage would allow. I fabricated all new linkage. Here are some photos that give you an idea of what I did.
Jim

This shows the cable going to the U shaped equalizer that is attached to the rear cables.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kabinenro ... 0304973320

Here you are able to see the pedal to the Left of the clutch pedal, there is plenty of room between them for me to rest my foot on the floorboard.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kabinenro ... 0304973320
‘64 Cyclone/ Boss 302,quads,4spd, Winters 9”

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Joe Travers
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Location: Louisiana

Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Joe Travers »

Is that a 5.0L H.O. pan? I was wondering if the rear sump would fit the car.

I would like to add a little more capacity one of these days.

Thanks

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

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SASSY
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by SASSY »

Looking great! I used the foot operated one from a '71 Mustang.
Works good but would have preferred a hand lever between the seats. The center console interfered.
I'd rather do it myself if it's done right or not,,,isn't that what hotrodding is all about
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Darrylp27529
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Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2023 2:55 pm

Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Darrylp27529 »

Still making some progress towards driving this car. Mainly trying to stop the leaks. I ordered a C4 Fill Tube from Summit for a pan fill style C4 and could not get it to stop leaking. I think I waited about 6 months for the tube. Resorted back to the original one that came with the C4. Upon closer inspection the old tube has a smaller inside diameter an seems to seal better to the pan. Also working on bleeding the brakes now. Hope to have it sorted this weekend.
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Sugarmaker
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Joined: Thu Dec 28, 2023 9:55 am
Location: Albion PA

Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Sugarmaker »

Darryl,
Wow nice work on your engine for your Comet! The engine looks like a piece of art.
Your old engine may be a good start for another project!
Keep up the nice work!
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl
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Darrylp27529
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Darrylp27529 »

Been working on the brakes. Has anyone used the MP Master Brakes Combination valve? I have been fighting with the proportioning valve that is under the master cylinder and its a painful process. I put a Wilwood Master cylinder and proportioning valve on the 62 and it was much easier I think. Anyone have a similar experience with MP?
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A/FX
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by A/FX »

Don’t do it.
I tried the MPB combination valve when I initially built my Comet. I tried everything but could not get a firm pedal, I bled the system with three different types of machines, adjusted the calipers to make sure the were shimmed correctly ( Baer)
and made sure the lines did not have any high spots to trap air.
After more frustration I pulled the combination valve and circular filed it, I installed an adjustable proportioning valve and a ten pound residual check valve in both the front and rear supply lines. After bleeding the system and a little adjustment on the proportioning valve I had a firm pedal and could lock up the wheels upon demand. Problem solved.
In my mind there is no way a pre adjusted combination valve is capable of working on every type of car, size of the brakes, type of brakes, size of tire, pedal ratio, etc. all factor into the end result. An adjustable proportioning valve is the answer.
Jim
‘64 Cyclone/ Boss 302,quads,4spd, Winters 9”

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Darrylp27529
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Darrylp27529 »

Thanks Jim.

Did you keep the same Master Cylinder and can you send a picture of your setup? thinking that I am going to buy the Wilwood proportioning valve kit.

Darryl
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A/FX
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by A/FX »

Darryl,
I used the master cylinder that came with the combination valve from MPB, my thoughts were to try and keep it and see if it would work with the residual check valves and the adjustable proportioning valve, it did so I kept it.
I used a NOS Kelsey Hayes adjustable proportioning valve that I had on the shelf, I would think any quality valve would work also. Here are some pictures that may help, the shock tower strut kind off blocks the view but you can see the proportioning valve and one of the residual valves. My brakes are from Baer, two piston aluminum calipers on the front and single piston on the rear with integrated parking brake
Jim
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‘64 Cyclone/ Boss 302,quads,4spd, Winters 9”

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Darrylp27529
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Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2023 2:55 pm

Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Darrylp27529 »

Thank you Jim! I appreciate the input as always. Darryl
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bstev05
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Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2025 12:19 pm

Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by bstev05 »

I have been watching the progress on your car and it is awesome. I am in the process of building one can you help me with a few questions I have?

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