Projects 1965 Comet Caliente Convertible Project

If you've got access to a good local wrecking yard there are some pretty trick factory relay packages available for the taking. I just did a similar upgrade on a project using the three relay module out of an '89 Grand Marquis that originally ran the ECC Pwr, Fuel Pump, and A/C Cutout. Many of the late 80's and early 90's F/L/M products use the same package.

 

First off questions. Does anyone have a 1965 left side front bumper running light? Also I am wiring my wipers. The switch I have seems to be only an on off switch not a two click switch. The wiring on the motor is black ground on the body of the motor and black , blue and orange on the connector of the motor. The wiring diagram I have does not match this set up. Does anyone know the wiring and is this motor a two speed or a one speed wiper motor?

Three day weekends are the greatest. I worked on wiring for 3 days and have made lots of progress. I finished the front including testing. That’s the first picture and my dog is very impressed. I still need some headlights and a left side running light. I finished the rear wiring including testing but still need some parts to finish the plugs to the rear lights. I was able to use the Mountaineer blinker mechanism for the emergency flashers and I wired everything else to the stock Comet controls. The only thing left is the wiper wiring, heater blower motor and mounting all the wiring in place for the back lights.

Believe it or not the worse part of this was wiring the horn. The horn mechanism seemed to work fine on the steering wheel so I figured all I had to do was wire it up … wrong. … the previous owner did some "interesting" repairs to the internals of the horn mechanism inside the steering wheel. It was all messed up so I had to fix that first then there was a clearance issues with the contacts and wiring issues with the mountaineer wiring which works off the ground not the power. Took about 2 days worth of time and parts running to get it figured out but it works much to my neighbors dislike. Well you have to test it don’t you.

Last 2 pictures .. I am happy with the stance of the car. All spring are new and should settle some. The only thing I did in this configureation is the Shelby drop in the front. I like the ground clearances too.

This was the first weekend I had a chance to test the convertible top actuator motor. Up to this point I was not able to get it to work right. Well a 50 amp fuse and 10 gage wire took care of that. It works great. I have bought relays to wire in place for better safety and efficiency..

 

Finally a quite weekend. I finished up wiring all over the place. I got the relays wired in for the convertible top motor (first picture) and I figured out the problem with the park for the windshield wipers after hours of debugging. It was a short in the body of the motor when you pushed the wiring plug into it. I got the wiring under the dash*****oned up and a door that covers it up with the fuse box mounted in it (picture 2). Now I’m working on routing the rear wiring and connecting the heater to the ducting. The problem with not knowing how the original car looked before you do modes is that sometimes when you replace missing sheet metal it ends up having to be modified to fit other part like the heater ducting. Oh well that’s why they make cutoff wheels and welders.

 

I had to cut a channel in my new transmission tunnel for the heater ducting (picture 1)). I’m not happy about that but not having any previous experience with these cars it’s one of those live and learn situations. With the larger tunnel there was no room for the ducting. Then on to fitting the round tube in a square hole on the blower motor (picture 2). It’s a little restrictive but it’s a work around until I can afford the new air/heat unit. I will connect the blower motor with the Comet ducting via a round hose. I got the computer mounted so I’m almost done with under the dash (picture 3). I tried one more wheel color option (picture 4). I painted the area between the chrome trim ring and the tire white. It’s a foe white wall. The tires I am buying are white letter tires but I don’t think I will do the foe white wall.

 

Hi again Jeff.... was glad to see an e-mail from HAMB with your post alert.... Good to see you are still at it. I am sure your daughter is READY to go for for a ride with the TOP DOWN.

I have been UP & DOWN with the work on the OPEL..... after our trip to LA to see our newborn "twins" there have been so many other things going on here this time of year..... I haven't given up or anything but "just as expected" work is progressing at a "snails pace". But at least there has been some progress.

Been working on cutting the body off of the unibody/subframe it is currently on. Taxing work .... resisting buying a plasma cutter which would make this chore easier & less time consuming. Money that will be better spent on "other" soon to be necessities.

 

not really into fords but im really digging this build ....

great work and keep up the progress ....

i ll be keeping atop of this build ...

 

John: Wow that’s a lot of work. Are you building a custom frame for it?

Jfreakofkorn: I know there is a story behind your forum name. Thanks for the complement.

 

I have been working on lots of odds and ends. Little things that bug me so I fix them. I also have been working on the rear wiring harness. This is a long a$$ car. Some of the wires from the Mountaineer wiring harness need to be lengthen to get back to the back of the Comet. I finished the heater (pictures below).

 

I finally made it to the back of the car with the wiring (picture 1). No more Stack of wire on the interior floor (picture 2). I finished wiring the lights and I think that is it for wiring I’m done (picture 3). I started the car and did a light check. Now on to the gas tank.

 

Im 65 and been messing with these cars all my life, this is a first for me. Be careful, make sure the doors fit good. Weld in some temporary bracing both directions, cannot get too much, until you can put a new floor pan in. Good luck....glad to see the daughter helping...cannot be too save....

 

vegasparky;I think you need to read through Jeff's build,it starts on June of 2012!! The Comet has a new FULL frame,new suspension,replaced almost everything in the car.It is getting close to paint,interior and top!! Not bagging on you,just want you informed!!! ROY.

 

I think VegaSparky thought the pic I sent to Jeff had to do with his Comet.

I am going to brace the body as good as I can while I move it around & have it stored until I can lift it onto a FULL tube chassis.



Obviously when the body is lifted over the tube chassis any bracing in the area of the roll cage will have to be removed.

Sure wish I was as far along as Jeff is..... he's done a great job and has done a TON of work..... QUALITY WORK.

 

Vegasparky: Thanks for the heads up. I’m all done with that part of the build and I did brace it and weld the doors in. Luckily back when I first started the frame repair I had several builders like yourself speak up and tell me to do that so I appreciate the info. Since I did that the doors now close very easily and I had no sagging happen to the car.

Roy: It’s good to hear from you. Tom is trying to make it to the Camarillo car show but is having trouble getting the old bird to start. By the way the tank you sold me is pristine on the inside. Thanks for taking care of it for so many years. Oh and thanks for the props.

John: Wow that is one cool chassis. Basically the body will just be a shell that hangs on the cage. Thanks for the picture.

My son will be home from the Army for 2 days over the 4<SUP>th</SUP> so I am looking forward to that.

Have a happy and safe 4<SUP>th</SUP> of July everyone.

 

Jeff;I bet you will be happy to be with your son,even for such a short time!! Happy to hear the gas tank was OK,it stayed sealed up up in the attic for over 20 years!!No worries on the 'props',I feel you and your daughter have done,and are doing,a great job on that old Comet rag top!!! Enjoy the 4th and enjoy your time with your son!!! ROY.

 

Thanks Jeff..... the wheels TURN SLOWLY here.

When I traded for the Opel I had NO INTENTION of doing what I am doing. It happened by surprise (and disappointment) one thing at a time until I found myself cutting the
Opel up so much so that there is nothing left but the body shell. About the only thing that "might survive" is the turbo 350******* that came with the car ...... with everything being changed I have had thoughts about going to a 4 speed*******.

No plans to be out to LA soon..... would go tomorrow if we could. Miss seeing the twins. They are growing up so fast.

Would like to get there again before the holidays..... if so we'll see you then & go for a ride in the Comet.... "with the top DOWN of course" !!!!!

 

John, Well even if we can take a ride in the Comet the top is down even if its up. Hope we can hook up next time you are out this way.

It has been a really big day. My son was home from the Army for a couple of days over the 4<SUP>th</SUP> and we had a really good time and today he had his first parachute jump from a C130 he said it was a RUSH and loved it. For me it was that he was successful and was ok WOW. Also for the Comet it was the day she took her first steps. When the engine started back in January it was her new birth and now she took her first steps with my daughter driving. This called for a video (link below). This means the wiring works, the engine works, the transmission works, the driver shaft works, differential works, the brakes work and the 68 mustang shifter to PERL Works linkage works. What a great day. I also got some bling done on the door cards and they are finished (picture below). Now on to the gas tank, body work-paint, convertible top, tires, interior, &#8230; . Just a few more things to do not to mention the money involved.

 

Congratulations! That is a major milestone for sure! And thanks to your son for his service to our country........My old man use to fly C-130s.

 

Jeff;that is great!! Doors turned out awesome!!!Glad you got to spend time with your son!Where is he stationed? ROY.

 

Must have been a great feeling to have your son at home on the 4th. Pride for our military is at an all time high. Must be a great feeling seeing your son grown-up & in uniform.

Having your daughter working with you on the Comet is another really cool thing. Will always be a "lasting memory" for both of you.

...... " This called for a video (link below) " ........ ?????? am I missing something somewhere??????

 

Hotrod1959: The C-130 is a work horse it&#8217;s been around forever and is still going. My brother in law flew one for the Navy and did all kinds and types of missions in it.

Roy: My son is currently at Fort Benning Georgia but will be moving to a fort in Virginia this weekend after he graduates Army Airborne and gets his wings.

John: I am proud of my son and daughter and work they are doing. As for the video you should be able to click on the first picture and have it fire off.

 

Lots of nice pics of your build...... and the "1st drive" video is a "keeper" to show your grand kids someday.

 

I have been polishing and painting a lot of small parts getting ready for reassembly. I finished the back half of the exhaust system. Up over the diff and out the back (picture below). I just need some chrome tips to finish it off. I think I have the design for the gas tank done. I will mount the in-tank fuel pump in the comet tank and build a small expansion tank for the pressure sensor, fueling overflow tube and vapor line. The small tank will connect to the Comet tank filler tube. It&#8217;s hard to explain so I will have to show you. I just receive some new body working tools and supply&#8217;s. That&#8217;s next after the gas tank.

 

Jeff;looking more like a car all the time! Before you do any welding or cutting on the gas tank be sure it is clean,I hope you did not put any gas in it yet!!!!! I keep forgetting to look for the other front parking light,need to get down to the shop and look for it!!! ROY.

 

Roy,

The tank is still empty. I took a quick look inside the other day and it looks perfect. I will not be welding on the tank but I will need to cut a hole for the fuel pump. That would be great if you could find the light.

 

Jeff;Will,the guy that donated the bumpers,will be back in town tomorrow or Wednesday,I'll let you know what I find out!! Be careful cutting the hole,make sure that it is clean of any shavings when you finish!! DO NOT use silicone on any fuel tank fittings,it reacts very bad with gasoline!!! ROY.

 

Thanks for the heads up about the silicone. Is there anything else that can be used?

 

Jeff;ARP makes a thread seal compound that is NOT affected by gasoline,I use it exclusively!!!If you need to make a gasket I would get some material from a parts house that is compatible with gasoline!! ROY.

 

I visited Arizona and my brother and I worked on some interior parts the covers for the back panels/arm-rests (first 2 pictures). We also ribbed a piece of sheet metal to be used for the bottom of the trunk since I don&#8217;t&#8217; want the top of the tank to be the bottom of the trunk any more.

I got started on the gas tank by cutting the top of the Mountaineer tank off (picture 3) so I can trim out the gas tank mount and other connectors for installation in the Comet tank. I made 2 round 1/8 inch brackets to mount the mountaineer gas tank mount on so it will bolt to the Comet tank. I spent most of a day flattening the ribs on the top of the Comet gas tank so I can bolt the Mountaineer fuel pump bracket on (picture 4). I have ended up with 7 inches of height in the Comet tank for the fuel pump****embly. Next is altering the fuel pump****embly to be 7 inches tall. The fuel pump sock sets in the well in the bottom of the Comet tank. The only thing I don&#8217;t like is there are no baffles in the Comet tank to keep the gas around the sock on braking and acceleration. With EFI there is no float bowl to help with that. It&#8217;s been quite exciting using cutting and heating tools around gas tanks. So far so good.

 

Jeff;WOW,that sounds like a lot of work!! It was good that the Mercury tank was steel too,I was not sure.As far as baffles,some aftermarket in-tank fuel pumps use a baffle that surrounds the pickup.I got involved yesterday helping a friend,will get your light out today. ROY.

 

Roy

Well it&#8217;s not your cut a hole and bolt it in kind of a project like I was hoping but it&#8217;s going well. I have included one more picture which is of the mounting brackets done which was supposed to be done on Sunday but took until yesterday to finish. I have 1/8th inch cork gasket material that goes between the tank and the bracket to seal it. Now on to shortening the height of the fuel pump from 11.5 inches to 7 inches.