All along my plans for my old Comet drag car were to rip into it and restore it. But the idea of just going through it mechanically and getting it going....leaving the body pretty much as it....certainly has me thinking. I've seen several old drag cars done this way lately and there is a definate "cool" factor about them. The body is nice, but I had to replace the hood and rt door and they are different colors. The choice would be easier if all of the sheet metal matched.
Not to be a smart*** but, what's the problem? Color is only color and it doesn't matter if you paint it a flat or gloss or satin as long as it matches I guess. I'd leave it drag style and get it going and worry about the color alot later. Besides, I've always had a soft spot for the 64-65 Comet. And Hey if it's a problem I've got a hot rodded 55 Chev I'll trade ya
Repaint the car in the same color it is now and then drive it the way it is, it's cool, it's got some history, what more could you want? You can always do a whole resto later.
Wow, very cool. We should all have such problems. As you know, the more you do the more you will need to do. Do the basics and drive it, or go all the way with it. Up to you, and your wallet. Love the front wheelie bar (Ha!).
Sometimes music can help you decide what to do. I would recomend listening to Jan & Dean singing Drag City...
If it truly a "drag only" car with some history you might want to consider a resto. Otherwise just make it safe and enjoy.
Trust me, a running drag car in 2 different colors is more fun than a dis***embled drag car. I'd just enjoy it as is for a while. You can always blow it apart and make it pretty later.
If it is trul a Histroic car, ie; one wioth well known history, I'd say restore it to its former glory. If it is a local car that someone had fun with, do what ever you want. make it your own
Get it running and drive it. You can always restore it later if you are so inclined. My '64 Comet is 6 different colors. I recently got mine on the road. Along the way, I bought a parts car from a guy that totally dis***embled a decent Comet to make it into a pro touring car - needless to say he never got any of it back together - just something to consider.
The car was just a local drag car and a broke u-joint damaged the rear floors and sidelined it in the early 70s. It is a Cyclone, but so much has been removed (wipers, heater box etc) it would be hard to restore it back stock without having a complete parts car. So I'm thinking that if I could get a color match done and use a flattener in the paint I could blend in the off color panels and maybe add some patina. I guess if I wanted to go further, I could just consider this a mock up. Cheater slicks, a mild small block and header mufflers.....could make a fun little cruise in car.
Make it run and drive safely, then drive the daylights out of it. You'll have so much fun you may never paint it, just because you wouldn't be able to drive it for awhile!
This little rough Henry J that I saw at the Goodguys show in Bowling Green is what got me thinking. Of all of the billet clad rods, Novas with 20" wheels and Pro Street Camaros....this little banger stood out above the rest to me. Really cool! I wish I'd been able to have gotten some better pics of it.
I vote drive it. That hood would look better flat black to me, don't know about the door though. It's a lot more fun driving a whole car than sitting in a pile of parts.
Now that the original paint hood and door are gone, re-paint the whole car. ....or run it as is and have fun.
id get it running, then find someone to match the hood and door....aging and matching paint is something most good painters can do...in fact, when i was in collision/refinishing cl***, they told us that was the most important key when making a repair....
The Jalopy Journal
