My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

The Era of The Square Body Racing Comets
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 »

Finally got around to getting the frame cut and now the the frame is at the original factory ride height.
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I also got started on the rear quarter metal work.
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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 »

I wanted to share a quick update.. I had to replace the tail panel that sits behind the bumper with new sheet metal. Getting the frame tied in with the rear sheet metal.
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1964 Comet Caliente/1964 Galaxie 500

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Groover
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Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by Groover »

Dang, Red. You are a welding fool! Keep it up and keep posting. :)
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1964 Comet Caliente Convertible
30,000 miles on our rebuild

All Comets start out as dreams...

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 »

I did a little mocking up over the weekend. It looks like the engine will fit under the "teardrop" hood.
The engine is still setting higher than expected which leads me to a new problem. The crankshaft is currently 6 1/2 inches higher than the rear differential....Are we having fun yet ??? LOL
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1964 Comet Caliente/1964 Galaxie 500

smithhe
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Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by smithhe »

Did you fabricate those rear quarter panels yourself?? they look awesome! I need a pair of those made bad.
1964 Mercury Comet 404 with 347 stroker
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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 »

smithhe wrote:
Tue Sep 01, 2020 1:44 am
Did you fabricate those rear quarter panels yourself?? they look awesome! I need a pair of those made bad.
Yes I did fab those rear quarter panels or I should say , I'm in the process LOL . I have to make a panel from the drivers door to the bumper. I am making the panel in three pieces then I will weld them together into one panel then weld the panel on. It just takes time, practice, and patience and a few good tools :wink:
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 »

Still work'n... slow but sure. I fabbed up a couple of engine mount perches which might be a little overkill ,LOL
The trans crossmember was fabbed and now on to the firewall.





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1964 Comet Caliente/1964 Galaxie 500

lavron
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Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by lavron »

Keep it up Red, I always enjoy looking at your updates and the work you do I am impressed
Red Lehr wrote:
Tue Sep 01, 2020 5:52 am
It just takes time, practice, and patience and a few good tools
I wish I had some good tools, oh well :roll: :P

Looking forward to more.

See Ya,
Mike
Mike's build thread
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=13058
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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 »

thank you Mike much appreciated. I just wish I had more time to work on it but I guess that's what retirement is for! LOL having just a few good tools does help oh, I figured if a good fabricator needs good tools, a crappy beginner like me sure as hell needs a good tools!
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 »

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With the firewall out the mocking up begins. Unfortunately the 427 engine will sit higher so the clutch fork for the 4 speed toploader will not fit using the original clutch/brake pedals. I will use a hydraulic clutch to save space....The firewall will be hand fabbed as will the floors.[attachment=3]firewall 2.jpeg
Also had to replace one of the rusted inner wall panels.
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1964 Comet Caliente/1964 Galaxie 500

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SASSY
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Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by SASSY »

Thanks for the update!
I very much enjoy seeing the fabbing ,, great build!
Fred
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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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 »

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Pics of the fire wall I fabbed for the 64 Comet. I had to move the engine back a little further than expected so I needed room in the fire wall for the starter area of the bell housing. I built a small corner housing for the starter, now we have room ! We will be putting a Ford 427 in this rascal.
Much more to come.....
Red
1964 Comet Caliente/1964 Galaxie 500

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Joe Travers
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Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by Joe Travers »

Just catching your thread, Red. Dude....... :shock: A 3X2 427???
I dreamed of hacking my Cyclone many years ago to do what you are doing now. It was only a dream.
Pretty wild seeing someone else pulling it off. It's a kick for me to see this :D
Keep on keeping on!

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

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 »

Hello Joe !,
The 3x2 set up is just an intake I used to mock up the engine. The 427 will have a dual quad tunnel wedge intake. Stay posted, more to come...
Red
1964 Comet Caliente/1964 Galaxie 500

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Joe Travers
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Re: My first 1964 Caliente/Comet project

Post by Joe Travers »

Red Lehr wrote:
Sat Jun 12, 2021 11:51 pm
The 3x2 set up is just an intake I used to mock up the engine. The 427 will have a dual quad tunnel wedge intake. Stay posted, more to come...
I figured as such. Would love to visit your shop. Lots of great old pieces. Don't break anything!!! :wink:

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

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