61 coupe resurrection

[rusty_apache]

After pasturizing for a quarter century I’m resurrecting my 61 Comet.

I’m detailing the engine bay while the machine shop is finishing the 200ci. so I removed the front clip to straighten up the bodywork. Both fender seals are available but apparently the radiator core support seal isn’t.
Is there anything close that would work with modification?

[lavron]

Melvin's has the core support seal for '64s not sure if it is the same.

See Ya,
Mike

[rusty_apache]

Still slowly getting the Comet back together. The trunk floor needed replacing prior to installing new fuel tank.

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Then the corners around the trunk lid needed to be replaced to create a moisture resistant seal.

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Removing the crusty seal exposed a few small rust areas, so I removed the cross brace and one pinhole opened up into a world of hurt and I am replacing the metal around the edges.

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When the fabricating and welding is finished the area where the seal attaches will get a brushed on coat of the original shade of Frost Green and the patchwork will get clear coat temporarily.
The stabilizer mounts in the engine compartment need re welding where the spot welds popped and never repaired decades ago.

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Every component is either new or rebuilt so it’s going to go together pretty fast.

[rusty_apache]

Pretty fast is relative...
However I’m one step closer to a water tight trunk before moving around to the business end of the Comet. It’s almost time to put the skin back on so I’m tweaking the flange back into shape first.

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I just noticed that my bargain Ebay trunk seal is for a falcon.

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[rusty_apache]

The trunk is back in one piece and ready for the new seal.

Rust free trunk lid reassembled with new tar paper

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The rebuilt engine is now slowly going back together as I search for any errant mud(sand around here) dauber nests clogging up any oil journals or just adding sand to the crankcase!


Back in the day I had trouble locating a cast iron exhaust manifold so I went with the headers and a brand new starter because they must be removed to replace it.

Here it is mocked up to keep it clean and figure out what’s missing in this life sized three dimensional puzzle!

Clifford headers added back in 1991

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With the modern convenience of air conditioning, it’s looking rather unsightly and cluttered! This is to be a “daily” driver so I will just get used to looking at that compressor!

Mocked up

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[rusty_apache]

I’m right on the verge of insurance and registration for my Coupe!

Once the air conditioning is operational, I’m looking to install seat covers and interior panels. Does anyone have recommendations for a good source of upholstery for the cats eye Comet?


I have some 1965 Mustang code buckets for it that I pulled out of a 63 Falcon and from what I understand the 61 upholstery fits it.


My car really should have Aqua but black looks better especially after I get my grimy hands on it.

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The grille can go back on after the AC system is tight and charged.

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There’s still a lot of rust to cut out around the rear quarters.

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[rusty_apache]

I’m really loving this Retro sound Bluetooth that needed to go in after the NOS vacuum wiper motor ( a novel enough way of committing suicide) and the knee knocker A/C unit.

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The “Comet drive” was vomiting type F every time I shut off the engine, even when stone cold so I evicted the mud dauber nest from the vent tube. They are also known outside the South as masonry wasps. Safety wiring the screen over the opening is something my Dad would have done.

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Bias Firestone pie crust whitewalls while being another possible death trap) feel like powered steering compared to modern radials.

[poboyjo65]

Is that a new radio or old one with new updated internals? it looks new. I sent off my old am for new guts. still waiting.

Happy trails!

[rusty_apache]

I was going to fix the AM radio but there are so few good AM STATIONS anymore. I don’t get all the FM stations out here in the woods anyway so this model plays music from my dumb phone and has a microphone for answering the phone hands free.Even the knob shafts accept the original Comet knobs but the chrome knobs they provide are heavy and well chromed as original but the internal ones are slightly larger more modern (1963?) looking.
So I went with my original ones with the original profile and patina.

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I tied both power lines together so the ignition switch is out of the loop. The trick is to turn off the clock display so that it doesn’t drain the battery. I have one on my 64 Spitfire and it reboots every time there is an interruption in the ignition circuit.
I like being able to listen to music without leaving the keys in the ignition.

[pfleuret]

I’ve been looking at that Retro radio for mine. Useful info thanks.

[Joe Travers]

Cool to catch your thread
I like the 200 upgrade in the old cat eye

I have a different version of that radio in my '63. No bluetooth but have RCA aux out I can wire up for digital devices.
Only listen to it in the driveway. Listen to the engine when I drive

Joe

[Jims65cyclone]

Does anyone have recommendations for a good source of upholstery for the cats eye Comet?

A number of folks have used this source:
https://www.falconcometinteriors.com/

Jim

[rusty_apache]

Thanks for the tip.
Jake has already been a great help, talking me down from my crazy ideas about trying to install 61 upholstery on a set of Mustang buckets.

After studying photos more closely I realized the Mustang frame is definitely different enough to make a difference. So we’re looking at some better alternatives using the proper Mustang upholstery with 63 sprint rear upholstery that has similar horizontal pleats.

[rusty_apache]

Cool to catch your thread
I like the 200 upgrade in the old cat eye

I have a different version of that radio in my '63. No bluetooth but have RCA aux out I can wire up for digital devices.
Only listen to it in the driveway. Listen to the engine when I drive

Joe

My friends teased me 30 years about the sound of headers and duals on a lowly six cylinder.
So far the radio is just for entertainment while I’m working on it.
Lots has been done, but still lots left to do.
The crucial freon charge fittings are in so it won’t be too long before I’m cruising with the windows up!

I can’t decide on the Ford or Mercury logo for the A/C.

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[Joe Travers]

My friends teased me 30 years about the sound of headers and duals on a lowly six cylinder.

And I bet their cars were half ton heavier than your Comet.
Early Comet doesn't need huge horsepower to move fast. I think it's boss
Need Mercury Man on that evaporator!



Joe