New Member, with a new car

I never thought that I would have to learn about cars, other than to drive them and change a tire...that is until now and wow am I lost.

I just got a 1973 Comet...my new baby. I had one when I was younger and when I seen this one it was love at first sight. My husband drove it home and I followed. Straight as an arrow. But I could see parts of the carpet fluttering out the bottom of the car. Uh needs floorboards too.

So now he tells me I have to work on it along side him. So here I am not knowing a lot of things I wish over the years I had paid attention to.

The guy we got it from says it has a 302 engine. How can I tell for sure?
Also how do you tell if it is an 8 or 9 inch rear end? Are there any good sources for headliner, carpet and seat covers, DANTES maybe?

I am sure I will have many other questions too in the future. My husband is a Mopar guy so he is facing a learning curve too.

First things first, it has to have a bath. Then put up on blocks to get all the brakes redone.

 

from Northeast Pennsylvania

On a 9 inch rear you can't get a socket and ratchet on the bottom 2 bolts that attach the center carrier into the housing - you need a wrench. On an 8 inch rear all bolts can be removed with a socket, extension and a ratchet.

 

The car was used in a movie, the previous owner said it was and we were somewhat skeptical.

My husband just found it. It is in the movie "Kill the Irishman", set to release this month on DVD.

 

Wow, the pictures sure post real small on this forum. Oh I see now that you can click on the image and see the larger pic, cool.

 

from Stone Mountain, Ga.
For new parts, Melvin's Classic Ford Parts is a great place to purchase reproduced parts as well as headliner, carpet etc. You can also purchase these items from Autokrafters. Both have websites where you can look up and view most items.
For used parts, post an ad in the "parts wanted" section of the forum and several members here will be able to help.

 

Thanks!......

 

Welcome from Northern California!

 

...:Handshake

as with all these cars, check the cowls first for leaks...
it's as simple as pouring water into the vents at the base of the windshield. if water drips inside under the dash....big problem for a novice.

Frank

 

Welcome from GA.
Being a Mopar guy it won't be as hard working on a Ford as bad as being a GM guy working on a Ford. But they are a lot of Maverick parts that got changed year to year. So don't think all Maverick parts are created equal...some are and some are not.

 

to the site!!!!!

 

from Ocala,Florida........

 

to the board.... Always nice to see another Comet....

 

Yep, thanks for the heads up it is pouring in...now for the repair.

 

From San Jose.

 

Welcome to the board. If it is a stock motor and rear end, it is a 302 if it's a v8 and the only rear on that car was an 8".