1962 Comet Build Thread

The Round Body, Finned Comets
darryl27529
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by darryl27529 »

Glad I can contribute a little to the forum. Hoping to make it easier for the next 62 Comet restorer :-). That being said, I decided to upgrade part of the suspension to the OpenTracker roller perches and roller idler arm, new shocks and 1 inch sway bar. Trying to build a Sunday afternoon cruiser. The Comet has been really hard to steer at slow speed and I realized that the new tie rods and ball joints had no grease in them and most needed grease fittings. Thinking that will help. John at OpenTracker has been very helpful and responsive. I'll take some pics once the parts arrive. Stay safe.
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darryl27529
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by darryl27529 »

Update. Got in most of the parts for the front end from John at OpenTracker. Waiting on shocks. Parts look really nice.
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I ordered some new bushings for the strut rods and found the new ones are way too small. Does anyone recognize this style of strut rod? I am assuming its from a Mustang. I am worried that these are too long and will throw off the alignment. See image. Any help would be appreciated.
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I also took the time to drill the holes for the Shelby drop. Seemed to be pretty easy.
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darryl27529
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by darryl27529 »

Turns out the strut rods were 1965-1966 Mustang style that are not adjustable but bigger than the early Comets. Waiting on Mustang bushings now and shocks. I got the upper control arms installed and the idler steering arm in place along with stabilizer. I believe all these are torqued and greased. Have to move the transmission cooler lines and they seem to be a little low. Otherwise moving along.
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SASSY
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by SASSY »

Any bushings should be tightened at ride height.
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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darryl27529
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by darryl27529 »

Thanks Fred. I appreciate the pointers. I loosened the strut bushings up before dropping it back on the ground. The Comet is off the jack stands for now. I think its sitting a little lower. No shocks yet but I really, really, really like the look. I didn't measure it but guessing about 1 inch lower. I think it has the right rake to it now.
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lavron
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by lavron »

Looks good, thanks for sharing.

See Ya,
Mike
Mike's build thread
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=13058
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SASSY
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by SASSY »

You have turned that car into a NEAT MACHINE!
Great wheel choice.
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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Joe Travers
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by Joe Travers »

darryl27529 wrote:
Wed Feb 03, 2021 4:11 pm
The Comet is off the jack stands for now. I think its sitting a little lower.
Yep, it's sitting lower. Stock stance is higher in front than back, especially with a full tank of fuel :wink:
Personally, I like the stock stance for more ground clearance and weight distribution. Lower stance ought to help a bit with handling at higher speeds. I'm more of a straight line guy. Different strokes but a really nice car, Darryl.

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

popscomet
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by popscomet »

YEP !! sits good,,,,,good looking comet,,,whls are perfect look....pop
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pop/glenda

darryl27529
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by darryl27529 »

Got a little work done on the Comet last week. New shocks came in and I realized the Mustang style shock tower caps were to narrow to fit (must have been from a 67 mustang) . I ordered some new caps and they finally rolled in and I sheared off a bolt putting them in. Waiting on new shock tower cap bolts now.... I did get the bottom parts installed. It was a tight fit and here's hoping for a good handling car. Also noticed the shocks seemed a little long and I spoke with John at Opentracker and he mentioned that I could add some spacers so the shock has a little more travel. Chipping away at it....
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power band
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by power band »

i'm late to this discussion so may not be applied :

the '63 Falcon has '71 Maverick shock tower caps and shocks. To make up the difference with later shock types height, as you mentioned spacers are used under the top shock fasteners :

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darryl27529
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by darryl27529 »

Thanks for the image. Looks to be about 1/2 inch and I am thinking the same.
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darryl27529
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by darryl27529 »

Quick update. I put about 10-15 miles on the Comet yesterday. Time to start working the kinks out. I was getting a good bit of shaking in the steering column and need to figure out whats going on. Starting, stopping, accelerating was good. Top speed = 60.

This is the first time in 10-15 years that the car has been on the street. Appreciate the support from this forum to help make that happen. Found some of the original paperwork from the first owner. Will upload that later today.
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Joe Travers
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by Joe Travers »

darryl27529 wrote:
Thu Mar 04, 2021 11:20 am
This is the first time in 10-15 years that the car has been on the street.
Good work keeping her alive! 8)
Vibration...a bit tough to troubleshoot sometimes but that's the fun part to me. Love a good mystery. :D
Tire balance or u-joints most likely (if front suspension is good and tight).

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

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poboyjo65
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Re: 1962 Comet Build Thread

Post by poboyjo65 »

Still looking good . might rotate the tires & see if anything changes. (start with the easiest)
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Johno

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