zookeeper's pic is where it's at. i don't think they look too good super cut up. and it is a really clean car.
Man I wish mine was as nice as yours. These cars look good with the front ends up as it emphasizes the rear to front body lines and angles. That being said, I'm in the process of lowering mine and will keep the little 200cid six. Anything you don't need you can put in a box and mail to me as mine needs a lot of work. I've been told that relocating the rear axle back an inch or so will allow you to fit bigger tires and will better center the wheel in the opening visually. I'll be watching this thread for sure.
No way!! For the rest of the week, I'm gearing up for my open house at the new shop. The Hemi Coronet of Jim Hetrick is currently front and center, getting a straightaxle swap on an otherwise incredible car!! I did a fair bit rear work to this car awhile ago, and he brought it back for more!!!! That's a good repeat customer!! http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/dalesnewpomonashop/page17.html I'm in axle heaven right now!! With the exception of Morgans rattlecan rack and pinion Nova, I'm surrounded- - - and loving every second of it. Its what I"ve wanted for years, to have a little shop and to do what I love to do!!
I got your DVD the other week and now I have to see one of your cars in person. I couldn't find your address on the website. Can you post the address and time for the open house?
Started laying out the groundwork for the rear. It's gonna be a sublte alteration, as the rear wheel centerline is already very close to the centerline of the roof pillar, an important visual for me. The Comet already has quite a graceful rear quarter, I'm just going to tweak it slightly. You'll know its been altered, but you are going to have to take a couple looks to figure it out. Thats the plan at least. There is almost six inches of untapped space behind the front edge of the Comet's rear wheel opening. Thats where I aim to push the tires up into!
this is ok even tho' it's a '65 but these are sweeter: my 64 is going to be uncut, stock fenderwells, etc. 427, 4 sp, 2-4's, 9" slowly gettn' there, maybe paint in a week or so
One of my all time fav designs! But they were rusters! I relocated the centerbolt on the rear leaves an inch toward the rear to get more clearance. It's tight there even with stock wheels.
you can get nasty with the 289....mines got 14 to1 and 578 lift...and its in my 65 Comet....Ill be keeping an eye out..My father has 2 FE builds going, one an R code 65 comet, the other a stroked 410 (450 cubes) going in his 65 Falcon...
None on the Falcon...its just a shell with the cage and some other stuff done...Crites tower kit, etc...my ol mans 65 with the R code is covered up as well...both just waiting for time and money...everytime i go to load shots, my connection falis...the router is gonna crash eventually....If you look in my posts, there are shots..maybe one of you guys could throw them up for me....Its just a "street race" vibe 65 Comet....plain jane. I do however want to eventually finish the hood..I molded the teardrop much like Dynos 64 seen above...Got tired of having the same hood as everyone else..haha
I got a line on a Ford nine inch, with a 4.11 mini-spool. Its been cut to early Nova width specs, and they are right at the same for a Comet. Ordered up the Chrysler Hemi springs, and the Mopar leaf spring relocation kit. In my opinion, you can't beat the bang for your buck with these new springs. You can hit 'em pretty hard, and they refuse to wrap up. Chrysler did their homework, back in the sixties. Why try to reinvent the wheel. Just keepin the fire lit... I think I'm going dig around for the Weber set-up. See whats still around for that.
After garage fighting with other cars, I parked the Comet at the "Shed" for some work, finally. After cutting into the rear quarter panel for a four inch move, it just did not "eyeball" up, so I did what any other hotrodder would do, I cut more: This'll now give me about five inches or so of rear alteration. Not much when you think I cut my old Dart at twelve inches. But remember, the Comet's rear quarter goes on forever. It now lines up real nice to the B pillar. I also ran into a MAJOR setback with the Econoline axle I was going to use. I set it up in my jig, to cut the requisite five and a half inches out of the center section. Its so badly out of square, there is no way to cut,section, re-weld, and have it all line back up. It'll look like a major P.O.S. under the car. This'll now only work on a full -size, like a tri-five, or other big car. Back onto the storage rack it goes. So, I'm going mix and match parts. A Speedway lightweight front tube axle, with the old econoline springs, and homemade arms that should give it the homespun appeal the car needs.
Err....you're a brave man. I've been sitting on my barn find Cyclone drag car (yeah somebody half a$$ added Caliente moldings years ago) for around 20 years and I don't think I could muster the courage to do that....though I'd love to!
I'd never cut up a Cyclone to make one of these cars. Glad to see that the one you have will be brought back to life- - - - one of these days!!
I finally laid the rear end down on the ground, to check fitment with the Ford Nine inch, and I probably could have edged it closer to the inboard side, but with a thumbswidth, it should be safe. I still cannot fathom getting those huge by large Firestone dragster slicks in the wheelhouse without a mini-tub, but the trick I used seems to have worked out. No doubt, the Chrysler Hemi- springs will sag a bit, but I"ve already prepped the car for this contigency by drilling extra mounting holes in the front leaf perch. Now, I march on to the front. An extra challenge, marrying some of the components of the Speedway axle kit, with some of the vintage econoline parts.I had to completely re-fad most of the axle mounts, due to the Econoline springs being wider than the little Speedway units. I decided to leave the engine in for now, 'cause it best helps to simulate the final ride height/stance. Hopefully in the next few days, it'll be ready to roll out into the sunshine! Proof of no mini-tubbin!: Now the project is gaining some steam!! Dale<!-- / message -->
Dale thats looking great! I cant wait to start on mine.When I do maybe you could let me know the part numbers for the rear springs etc as I know they hook good. and I plan on Mine being Race car only.....JOHN
I inched a bit closer today, and put the front end down to Mother Earth! It sits slightly higher in the front for my taste, but its a compromise with the straightaxle. If I do it again, I think a SuperBell wide Model A style, with some custom leaf spring perches welded on. Jason Kennedy swung by today, and together we came up with a really cool idea to trick out the otherwise mundane looking tube axle with a smaller tube truss on the bottom. I've seen some old photos with this done, as a strengthening measure, and with the idea that Jason came up with, it should set a cool, retro vibe that'll get people talking! I cut down the front bumper, and re-radiused the front fender lip to contour the front tire as well. The Cragars I realize are a matter of taste. Some like, some hate 'em. One thing for sure. They weigh a ton!! Not gonna break any low E.T.'s with this car being a little 289, but at least it'll ride like a dream with the big, long Econoline springs up front! Dale
Looks good ...real good. Just attach your headers loose on the little 289 the noise alone will scare everybody off.
What brand, model and size are your front tires? The Cragar's are "correct" for a '64 home built AWB car in '65.
What tires are you using and what are the wheel sizes and offsets? What is the width of the rear end you used, wheel mounting to wheel mounting? Are the Mopar springs the same dimensions eye to eye and front eye to tie bolt as the original springs? What is the width of the SS spring (leaf width). I would like to see more photos of the rear end set up from the underside if you have time and are willing to do so. I like the looks of the Cragars on Comets and Falcons in the '64-'65 styles, but as you say, they are something that appeals to some but not others. Some like the look of Americans. The car is looking good and will make a fine conversation starter at cruise-ins and such. Keep up the good work.
I had to roll it into the rear of the shop. Works been slow here for a few weeks, and the rents due..... I'll get'er back up front and center hopefully soon!! Dale
That is the trouble with stumbling on something this nice..... cut or not to cut........ I faced same delema with my 56 210....... way too nice to make a gasser......after a lot of soul searching.....I sold the car.....too good to cut up. It went to a good home...I see it from time to time......weekend cruises.....like it deserves...... Good luck with your car.........I wouldn't cut it up......it looks too good........
BADASS! a few more weeks and my side stuff may be done enough to hop on the ol mans falcon....and finish up a few things on his Comet....
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