My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

The Era of The Square Body Racing Comets
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Red Lehr
Posts: 127
Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 10:32 pm
Location: New Athens,Illinois

My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by Red Lehr »

Well, my Comet arrived today and I'm pumped to get started !! She's not a raving beauty,but it sure looks solid underneath. I also bought 2 doors and a trunk deck lid to go with it from the seller.It was worth the trip to Wisc. to get it,and there is no engine or tranny. I plan on putting a 390 stroker in it and a toploader also.This will be a street machine with a few trips to the track(maybe Lol).
I'm going to need lots of help fellas ,I just hope you don't get tired of all my questions !! I've got thick skin,so don't be afraid to tell me how it is !!


Thanks in advance for all the help !!
Red

Here are some pics after we got her home today 8/19/14

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 2e3abd.jpg
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 00309f.jpg
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 5a0e25.jpg
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 96b148.jpg
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 475ece.jpg
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 45074e.jpg
1964 Comet Caliente/1964 Galaxie 500

ec164
Posts: 411
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 11:55 am
Location: essexville. MI

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by ec164 »

Careful with that grill not many to go around. Looks like you have most of the trim, keep track not making any of it new. You got work to do but you'll be happy when it's done and your cruising. The FE stroker will be nice addition, although with all the sm.blk stuff available a nice 347 or 363 windsor would be killer too!......Good Luck Mr. Red,............Al
Your ahead in a Mercury....all the way!

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poboyjo65
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Location: Camden, Tenn.

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by poboyjo65 »

Not too shabby neighbor! It'll fix! :D :D


If you click on the IMG code it will put the pic on instead of the link.
Image
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Johno

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fairlaniac
Posts: 227
Joined: Wed May 07, 2014 8:37 am
Location: Denver, PA

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by fairlaniac »

Red Lehr wrote:Well, my Comet arrived today and I'm pumped to get started !! She's not a raving beauty,but it sure looks solid underneath. I also bought 2 doors and a trunk deck lid to go with it from the seller.It was worth the trip to Wisc. to get it,and there is no engine or tranny. I plan on putting a 390 stroker in it and a toploader also.This will be a street machine with a few trips to the track(maybe Lol).
I'm going to need lots of help fellas ,I just hope you don't get tired of all my questions !! I've got thick skin,so don't be afraid to tell me how it is !!


Thanks in advance for all the help !!
Red

Here are some pics after we got her home today 8/19/14

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 2e3abd.jpg
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 00309f.jpg
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 5a0e25.jpg
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 96b148.jpg
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 475ece.jpg
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p63 ... 45074e.jpg
Looking good Red! I can see it in a few years at the FE Race & Reunion. (2) '64 Comets battling it out for Pro FE. It should be a nice brat hauler!
Doug Bender
1964 Comet Caliente
1966 Fairlane 427/4 Spd
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Rocket989
Posts: 1678
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 2:53 pm
Location: Kansas City Metro

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by Rocket989 »

Looks like a fine start! Always nice to see another Comet headed in the right direction!

JH
'cause Johno says you gotta have a sig pic! :)
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comethead
Posts: 5692
Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2003 7:44 pm
Location: Palmdale, CA

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by comethead »

Nice!
Bucket seats/console...that's a $1000 bonus right there! :wink:

Joe
1965 Caliente HT- 289/4 speed
1964 Falcon HT- track car- 302/4 speed
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popscomet
Posts: 9685
Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2011 11:19 pm
Location: Jacksonville, Arkansas

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by popscomet »

WELL,the postive battary cable looks good from down here,so all is not lost !! you have some work in front of you thats for sure,,,but I think you can handle it,,,good luck and welcome to the best place to be when it comes to a comet.....POP
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pop/glenda

Rocket989
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Location: Kansas City Metro

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by Rocket989 »

AND the headlights are oriented the right way! Saves time not needing a BFH to lay 'em flat!!!

JH
'cause Johno says you gotta have a sig pic! :)
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barrys65cyclone
Posts: 606
Joined: Mon Aug 27, 2007 2:54 pm
Location: maryland

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by barrys65cyclone »

I have all the tough to find parts to make it into a Cyclone plus all parts to change to 4sp.

Red Lehr
Posts: 127
Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 10:32 pm
Location: New Athens,Illinois

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by Red Lehr »

barrys65cyclone wrote:I have all the tough to find parts to make it into a Cyclone plus all parts to change to 4sp.
I might be interested in the 4 speed change parts for sure. I put a post on the "Body" section in the forum with pics from under the car. It's not quite as good as the seller described as far as being solid underneath, unless I'm jumping to conclusions. I'm looking for opinions on the body before I start anything else..... :wink:
Thanks for the heads up on the 4 speed stuff !!
Red
1964 Comet Caliente/1964 Galaxie 500

CALIFORNIA CALIENTE
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Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:57 am
Location: Camarillo,California

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by CALIFORNIA CALIENTE »

RED;looks like A LOT of work before it is even ready for drivetrain work!!!! ROY.
Real Racecars have 3 pedals
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Red Lehr
Posts: 127
Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 10:32 pm
Location: New Athens,Illinois

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by Red Lehr »

CALIFORNIA CALIENTE wrote:RED;looks like A LOT of work before it is even ready for drivetrain work!!!! ROY.
I know Roy..bums me out .I'm going to have a friend of mine who has been doing metal work restoring cars for many,many years take a good look at this and if it can be done ,he said he would lend a helping hand or two or three LOL.
Red
1964 Comet Caliente/1964 Galaxie 500

Red Lehr
Posts: 127
Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 10:32 pm
Location: New Athens,Illinois

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by Red Lehr »

Had some time to start the tear down on my 64 Comet. This is what I found when the seats,carpet,etc. came out......Any thoughts ??? LOL It's going to be a long road to say the least, and if it's possible I want to save her...

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1964 Comet Caliente/1964 Galaxie 500

comethead
Posts: 5692
Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2003 7:44 pm
Location: Palmdale, CA

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by comethead »

It's not too bad.
Autokrafters has the repair panels you need. Work in sections so you don't get overwhelmed. Only cut out the damaged metal and leave the healthy steel. You can trim it when you fit the repair patches.
Good luck!

Joe
1965 Caliente HT- 289/4 speed
1964 Falcon HT- track car- 302/4 speed
Image

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Groover
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Location: Indianapolis, IN

Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by Groover »

Like Joe says. Everything I see in those photos is available, and therefore reasonably doable. At least the tunnel looks good ;)
Image
1964 Comet Caliente Convertible
30,000 miles on our rebuild

All Comets start out as dreams...

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