COMET CENTRAL

[img]Hi, My name is Chris and I'm a new Mercury Comet owner. Previously I've owned a 1964, 1967, 1968, 1991 and 1992 Ford Mustangs. I've also owned a couple F100 trucks and even strayed on a 1965 Chevy Impala at one point in time. My favorite cars I've owned have been Mercury's. 1980 Mercury Capri was my second car but first with a V8. 2003 Mercury Marauder was the last hi-powered Merc I've owned. At this point in my life I've recently moved from Iowa to South Florida and since I don't have to worry about snow and salt, I decided it was time to find a nice classic daily driver. I wanted something a little different than another Mustang and I eventually settled on buying a Comet. I found this Mercury Comet Caliente Convertible on Ebay but it was located all the way up in Quebec City Canada! After speaking with the previous owner; a 65 year old car collector and getting the scoop on the condition I decided to make an offer. Long story short he accepted my offer and I had the Comet shipped from Quebec City to South Florida. It finally arrived last week and I'm thrilled with it. The Comet is in excellent condition, has low miles, original paint and a nice convertible top which is a rare option to find. She only has the I170 but that 100hp is sufficient for now. I just pulled the air box and put in new heater hoses but other than that...it doesn't need a darn thing.

First project I'd like to look into would be adding a/c. I know it's going to be a monster task and quite an expensive one but I need to determine the best route to go. OEM parts or aftermarket?

Wow! Beautiful car! Welcome on!

Welcome.
You found yourself a really nice looking Comet! The colors go well for South Florida.
I would say that with the 170 you will use about 25% of the horsepower to turn the compresser. To minimize the draw use a rotary style compresser not a piston type. Mercury offered an underdash unit for the ‘64 that would look appropriate in your car. They are fairly rare but should you should be able to find one. (I had two of them but they were sold a while ago)
Jim

Nice Comet

I will probably do the Classic Air or the other one (can't remember the name) on my '64 when the time comes (or ever gets here) I want the one that replaces the heater box, they do make them for 6 cylinders as well that include all the correct brackets.

See Ya,
Mike

THAT is a very nice looking 64....IMO ,the design of the seat covers on a 64 cal was the most attractive of all....back in the 90's when I redid my 64,,I made dang sure the upholstery man could copy the factory to a T....I like the little 6cyl.....you ought to get many miles out of that little comet...thank you and good luck...........OL POP............and welcome..glad your here

popscomet wrote:.I like the little 6cyl.....you ought to get many miles out of that little comet

And I promise not to go on a rant about the engine being blue, well maybe Canadian '64s had blue 170s mostly because the Comet is so nice.

See Ya,
Mike

it's hard to beat FORD BLUE !!.......it is so nice to see a comet that looks that good !! ................later OL POP

Wow !! What a pretty car. Welcome aboard.
Love the interior.

Welcome aboard! WOW! That is one NICE lookin' Comet! There are a number of guys on here that have installed AC on their Comets, so you should have no problem getting advice.
Jim

That's a doll.

And I used Classic Auto Air over in St. Pete. You can call them and talk tech. On my car (apples and oranges) the compressor is driven by adding a double pulley to the PS pump. 66 with an FE.

I was wondering where you are down here but I see the Miami/Dade car in the background. I'm in Lake Placid, a couple hours from Miami.

Stacey

Good Golly Miss Molly. That sure is a fine looking ride! I like everything about it.

Welcome and what a beautiful 64!!!
You will turn a lot of heads!!!
NP Dave

A/FX wrote:Welcome.
You found yourself a really nice looking Comet! The colors go well for South Florida.
I would say that with the 170 you will use about 25% of the horsepower to turn the compresser. To minimize the draw use a rotary style compresser not a piston type. Mercury offered an underdash unit for the ‘64 that would look appropriate in your car. They are fairly rare but should you should be able to find one. (I had two of them but they were sold a while ago)
Jim

I just missed an Ebay auction for the original under dash unit. I asked the guy a question to see if the evaporator leaked because it looked like it did and it got sold before he replied! I should have just bought it but I was hoping to get a better deal and offer a lower price than he was asking.

poboyjo65 wrote:Wow! Beautiful car! Welcome on!

I love your pic. Nice car and sweet little cabin. What more can a guy as for?

chartwig1980 wrote:

A/FX wrote:Welcome.
You found yourself a really nice looking Comet! The colors go well for South Florida.
I would say that with the 170 you will use about 25% of the horsepower to turn the compresser. To minimize the draw use a rotary style compresser not a piston type. Mercury offered an underdash unit for the ‘64 that would look appropriate in your car. They are fairly rare but should you should be able to find one. (I had two of them but they were sold a while ago)
Jim

I just missed an Ebay auction for the original under dash unit. I asked the guy a question to see if the evaporator leaked because it looked like it did and it got sold before he replied! I should have just bought it but I was hoping to get a better deal and offer a lower price than he was asking.

How much did it sell for ?

(thanks for the compliments!)