1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

The Era of The Square Body Racing Comets
darryl27529
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by darryl27529 »

Thanks everyone for the input. I am waiting on some 12 AN fittings and a bracket that fits 351c with an electric water pump. Hope it works. Planning to test fit the motor soon and will add some pics. Darryl
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poboyjo65
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by poboyjo65 »

darryl27529 wrote:
Mon Sep 12, 2022 8:20 pm
Thanks everyone for the input. I am waiting on some 12 AN fittings and a bracket that fits 351c with an electric water pump. Hope it works.

''Planning to test fit the motor soon and will add some pics.'' Darryl
Good idea. like Fred mentioned those pulleys are way out there for a comet. you need to see where that motor wants to sit. especially with an MII . these comets are tight front to back with motor in stock position.


be good to check header fitment too.
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Johno

darryl27529
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by darryl27529 »

Got a new Cleveland style alternator bracket in this afternoon and i am thinking that it will work. There is a little clearance for the water fitting on the head so that was good news.
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Now the trick is to get this…
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To fit in here…
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I am thinking a little cutting will be needed. I have been measuring and it’s gonna be a snug fit. Hope to have more soon. Darryl
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SASSY
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by SASSY »

Happy to read your test fitting.
Hope those upper control arm mounts
dont slip,,,. Is this a common setup for uppers? I only have experience with shim stuff.
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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comethead
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by comethead »

darryl27529 wrote:
Mon Aug 08, 2022 12:05 pm
Looking for suggestions for a harness bar/ roll bar. Should I buy a kit or take it to a fab shop? What did you do for a roll bar?
Just saw this post-
When I was considering my cage I called a couple local shops didn't like their prices or wait times so I bought a pre-bent kit from Rhodes Race Cars https://www.rhodesracecars.com/60-70-FA ... _2888.html
I got the 1 5/8” DOM SCCA kit. The fit was just about perfect. I had to tweak the passenger side A-pillar bar for my application but other than that its a great fitting cage.
I had to learn how to make prettier welds and to notch tubing but it was worth it in the end.

They have a few different style roll bars that might fit your needs.

Joe
1965 Caliente HT- 289/4 speed
1964 Falcon HT- track car- 302/4 speed
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Joe Travers
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Joe Travers »

darryl27529 wrote:
Mon Sep 19, 2022 10:47 pm
Got a new Cleveland style alternator bracket in this afternoon and i am thinking that it will work. There is a little clearance for the water fitting on the head so that was good news.
Looking good, D 👍
It will fit between the fender wells but you may have to build headers for this application.
Mine are hammered a little for steering shaft clearance on 5L engine w/ R&P. Don't know about taller deck height & Cleveland head.

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

darryl27529
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by darryl27529 »

Been working on the Comet past couple of nights. I pushed it out of the garage. Even without a hood, engine, lights, dang she looks fast just sitting there.
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Started work on the front fenders. I am using the Eastwood Low VOC epoxy primer. Having a few issues with the spray gun but the results came out pretty good. Gonna paint the inside of the fenders first (body color) as I think its good practice for me. Stay tuned.
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SASSY
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by SASSY »

Good on ya! Practicing getting to know your gun.
When I first started to spray I was told to use a 45 gal drum to practice on because it was important to keep the gun at 90° to the surface. To this day everytime I load a gun I think of that.
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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poboyjo65
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by poboyjo65 »

It has a good looking stance! :P
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Johno

darryl27529
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by darryl27529 »

Anyone know a good source for bumper brackets front and rear for a 64? I have been looking and cant seem to find them.
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Joe Travers
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Joe Travers »

They're available on EvilBay but they're going to be for a 'Cyclone' and overpriced.
Hang in there.

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

darryl27529
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by darryl27529 »

Started the test fit tonight. It’s gonna be a tight fit. The oil plan has one sump too many I think to clear the rack and pinion. The good news is that I could squeeze a sheet of paper between the water pump and the radiator. The header on the passenger side looks like it will fit. Driver side will be a challenge for sure. Thinking I need to brush up on some welding. More to come.
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Joe Travers
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by Joe Travers »

I'm running a stock front sump pan on my engine w/ power R&P steering, no issues. I'd prefer a larger sump but don't know which would fit the power rack due to hose clearance. My rack is mounted behind the engine mounts.

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

darryl27529
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by darryl27529 »

Thanks JT. I am going to pull the pan and modify it for clearance. Hope it works! Like you said it’s a process to get to the end result.

My buddy Greg came over yesterday after work to help sand and get ready for more primer. I used Eastwoods low VOC epoxy primer. It’s not perfect but looks to be a pretty good base for next layer of primer and paint. Making some progress.
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SASSY
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Re: 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

Post by SASSY »

Gonna be an awesome ride! Colour?
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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