1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

The Era of The Square Body Racing Comets
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kbuhagiar
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Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2013 11:21 pm

1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

Post by kbuhagiar »

Hello Folks,

Here is a picture of my 1964 Comet Caliente:

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As you can see, the body is all one color (Code D, Silver Turquoise). The previous owner did a repaint but I guess he wanted it to look more like a Cyclone.
Most of the Calientes I have seen are painted a contrasting color (usually white) inside of the stainless trim running the length of either side of the body.
Some of them have also been painted white within the "COMET" spear section on the rear quarter panel.

Do the different trim levels (202, 404, Caliente, Cyclone) or body colors determine how the inserts are painted?
Which paint scheme is correct for my Caliente? What do y'all think looks best?

Thanks in advance for your input.
Cheers,

Ken in SSF CA
1964 Mercury Comet Caliente

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poboyjo65
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Re: 1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

Post by poboyjo65 »

I don't think cyclones had the trim at all. not sure about the rest of the models. I love your car just like it is, I wouldn't change a thing! except maybe it's home address! :lol:
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Johno

comethead
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Re: 1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

Post by comethead »

I agree with John, it looks perfect!

Joe
1965 Caliente HT- 289/4 speed
1964 Falcon HT- track car- 302/4 speed
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ants875
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Re: 1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

Post by ants875 »

I also agree that is a great looking 64!! Very clean and just gorgeous! Makes me want to rethink my color choice.

Ant
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SASSY
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Re: 1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

Post by SASSY »

I agree with everyone!! BEAUTY
Just as a point of interest the white painted areas you
talk about are actually aluminum inlays.
Calientes have them front to rear and I believe 404s have them in the rear spear.
The Cyclone only has rocker and wheel opening trim.
Look close in the pic you can see the end of the inlay on the door.
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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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Lou's Comet
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Re: 1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

Post by Lou's Comet »

Fred is right.

The Caliente has a brushed aluminum appliqué that runs down the sides but not in the "comet" spear
The 404 has it only in the "comet" spear
The 202 doesn't have any and the Cyclone doesn't have it or the chrome for it.

I myself think your car looks Great! The way it is. But if you could find the right pieces don't think the applique's would hurt the look.
I wouldn't paint in the spear.

Couple links for ya. This one tells it is a appliqué
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/N ... 08-09.html

The 64 Comet brochure page.

http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/N ... index.html

And a few from the 64 mercury brochure
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/N ... 12-13.html


http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/N ... 14-15.html

Lou

kbuhagiar
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Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2013 11:21 pm

Re: 1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

Post by kbuhagiar »

Thanks to all for the kind words. I agree, it looks pretty nice as it is.

Fred & Lou, thanks for the information, that helps a lot.

I've never seen those side molding inserts (appliques) available anywhere.
I'd certainly consider them if I ever came across a set for sale.
Do they just fit under the stainless trim, or are they adhered to the body in some way?

Thanks again.
Cheers,

Ken in SSF CA
1964 Mercury Comet Caliente

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SASSY
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Re: 1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

Post by SASSY »

The trim on the side is all aluminum. If you do come by a set of inlays be sure they are in decent shape cause the finish is almost impossible to repair. The trim around the inlays is anodized. It can be removed then polish the aluminum which I have done.
The trim holds the inlays in place
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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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kbuhagiar
Posts: 64
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2013 11:21 pm

Re: 1964 Caliente - Trim Inlays

Post by kbuhagiar »

Does anyone know if the inlays can be polished or otherwise re-finished?
Found some door inlays on ebay, but the seller is saying that they 'need to be polished'.

Thanks again.
Cheers,

Ken in SSF CA
1964 Mercury Comet Caliente

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SASSY
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Re: 1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

Post by SASSY »

I have seen several attempts at refinishing the inlays, all were NOT GOOD :shock:
the best result was a painted set done in a flat aluminum color
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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ec164
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Re: 1964 Caliente - Trim Inlays

Post by ec164 »

kbuhagiar wrote:Does anyone know if the inlays can be polished or otherwise re-finished?
Found some door inlays on ebay, but the seller is saying that they 'need to be polished'.

Thanks again.
Yes they can be re-anodized and polished to look like new. McNichol anodizing and polishing in Detroit area does that-infact they restored all my aluminum and stainless trim from a 64 Caliente.....Al
Your ahead in a Mercury....all the way!

ec164
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Re: 1964 Caliente - Trim Inlays

Post by ec164 »

ec164 wrote:
kbuhagiar wrote:Does anyone know if the inlays can be polished or otherwise re-finished?
Found some door inlays on ebay, but the seller is saying that they 'need to be polished'.

Thanks again.
Yes they can be re-anodized and polished to look like new. McNichol anodizing and polishing in Detroit area does that-infact they restored all my aluminum and stainless trim from a 64 Caliente.....Al
Here's a photo of one finished!.....Al
Image
Your ahead in a Mercury....all the way!

pap1954
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Re: 1964 Caliente - Correct Paint Scheme for Trim Inserts

Post by pap1954 »

hi . did all 64 caliente's have that trim exactly as shown , or did some not have the insert ?

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