Hey, just thought of another question, maybe somebody can give me some leads. If I chose to bring this "73" Comet to its original conditon or "Clone" it., any place to go and find what came on the original "73s" and what was offered. For example, original paint chips, spoilers, wheels, stripes, hoods. I have noticed a number of different hoods, some single open front scoop, others with the cowl look and two side openings...you get the idea. Thanks.
First step is to get a Marti Report (www.martiautoworks.com) then maybe a sales brochure, and I'm sure we can help with any other questions.
Opinions wanted? My "73" will need to be DA'd, and painted. After looking at a number of pics sent in, and on line, sort of going back and forth as to "restoring" and "replacing" the Halo Vinyl top, or stripping it off, and just painting the top. I changed my mind everytime I look at pics either way. What do you think? Vinyl? No Vinyl! I know this would be decided as to wether I want to bring her back to original or not, but I think I am going to go the GT Clone route., so with that said, let me ask another questions: Did the GT come with the Halo Vinyl top? Thanks
Sounds like you are going the route I did with my Comet LDO/GT clone. I got the car with the vinyl top already removed. So, I painted my top black. That way I can always go vinyl if I decide to. I don't think I will though. Don't want the vinyl to rust holes in the top. Had that problem a few years ago, with a 74 Comet LDO, with the vinyl top. Wasn't a pretty sight, when the vinyl was removed.... Car ended up going to the crusher....
Thanks. I think I am going to go the paint, no vinyl, and like you said, once painted, can put on the top if I chose. Hey, another question: Looks like everyone agrees, the 74 had the new bumpers (5 mph ratings) which were ugly. Not sure, does my "73" have the old style or the larger ones? If it has the large ones, how tuff is it to remove those, and replace them with the old school bumpers? Thanks
The 73 bumpers are a one year only run. It has a medium size front bumper but has the small (old school) rear bumper.
Hey. Let me ask. Appaently most Maverick and Comet parts are interchangeable. Are the hoods, trunks, bumpers etc. from the early 70s changeable for my "73" Merc., Comet. Thanks
Hello: Doing some research and thanks for all the web site tips, but was wondering. Any where to go to view all the options which were available on the "73" Merc., Comet, GT and other. Also, I see many of you interchange some mustang parts, more specifically the interior. I was thinking of going with buckets, and laying down a console floor shift, any suggestions. Thanks. Note: Haven't received the "73" as of March 09.08, but did get a call from the seller, and it was picked up by the shipper Friday the 8th. With the two day snow storm (bad one) we got here in Ohio, may be a few more day. Take care.
Hey., just an update to anyone who cares. Received the "73" Mercury Comet. (March 11,08) Looks pretty good. As soon as the weather gets a little better (warmer, hate to fire up the heat in the garage., cost is getting crazy) any way, as soon as it gets better, I will begin working on her. One question, and I think I know the answer, working on cars for years, but just looking for an opinion. Owner sent a note with the car. Since she has owned it (over 20 years) she always ran "Leaded" gas, and put in an additive (sent additive with car). I see no problem in running today's "Un-Leaded", but just wonder how others view this. Thanks to all and take care. John "73"
My 1973 is original and I use unleaded. Runs fine. I think you should start with three things. A: Cragars. All cars look better with Cragars. B: Bucket seats and a new steeringwheel and floor shifter. C: Chromed engine stuff. A 60s musclecar spoiler out backl looks good and will probably be cheaper than a Grabber style ducktail. The ducktail looks hot. Grabber mavericks had the dual scoop hoods and since Mavericks have the flat leading edge on their hoods and Comets have the beaked hood they don't interchange without a bit of additional parts like grill and bumper. The GT Comet had the wide single scoop and in my opinion it looks best. A 429 style scoop would be taller and meaner looking and is what I am going for if possible(since the wife said I can't make my own mailbox scoop after the whole wire shelving grill fiasco) Comet owners are discriminated against for our superior taste in styling. I love my Comet.
I believe it's got something to do with your valvetrain, especially valve seats. Newer heads have different seats in them to run unleaded gas, older seats didn't have hardened seats. Maybe someone can help help me out a little bit.
Great replies, both of them. As for the restoration suggestions. I agree, I am going down within the next few weeks to pick up a new hood (plain) and a new trunk lid. I plant to GT scoop the hood out, and we will see about the spoiler. Interior in this "73" is nice, other than the head liner, so for now the money is going to be spent on body restoration (not much) and engine cleanup and tune up (possibly headers with dual flow out the back). I was going to clone her out, but I noticed that the GT models had no side molding, and this one has the molding and the halo vinyl, which will be stripped, but I am going to keep the molding on for now. OK, as for the valve concerns. I agree, and all of my other gear head buddies agree, soft seals vs hard seals. Shouldn't hurt running the unleaded, but if ever I get into the engine, I may want to change the seals. Again, thanks for the replies, and all tips are welcomed. John"73"
I ran my 74 Grabber for years on unleaded, and had not problems, and I beat the hell out of the motor. How about some pic's of your car? The side trim is hard to find in good condition so don't wreck it taking it off, and the halo top is cool!! leave it on there.
Just came back from the garage. Started to strip the "Halo" top off, some minor rust and a few holes in the roof. Decided to strip, sand, patch (fiber glass) the damage, and I think I will put the top back on. That way it will look good, and hide any of the minor imperfections. Any suggestion as to where to get the vinyl, or should I just get it at a auto upolhstery shop? Any vinyl to "kits" out there? Pictures will be posted soon, want to get a good look at the car, do the before, during and after shots. As for the molding. It is in great shape, I like the smooth, no molding look, but just like the top, may bring this back to original as possible. Again, thanks for all the replies.
