An early Christmas Present from my Dad - 1971 Comet GT

If it's newer than '81 you'll need a matching 50 oz flexplate... That's a aftermarket part, small bell, 157T C4 was discontinued at same time balance changed... The C5 replaced it and those all use the larger flexplate...

 

Yep, I bought a Summit brand SFI approved 50 oz. 157T flywheel for it to match up to the original C-4. I think it was like $53, not bad and the part was rather well made. The motor was a roller motor out of a 93 Mustang. - Matt

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G110SFI

 

We're going to see if the original engine will fire up and check the compression on it. Looking at a future rebuild and using either a set of 68 4V or Explorer GT-40 heads that I already have. Nothing too radical beyond stock. - Matt

 

Found the cowl has been crudely patched on the driver side with a little toe board and front floor pan rot. That will be a job for the spring when it gets warmer to work on. Got the master cylinder changed today and have to rebuild the column as they tore it apart and tried to wire an ignition switch for an 85 Ford into it. I've got the other column, just got too cold and short on time today.
Wheel cylinders on order for tomorrow.

We want to get the brakes and column back in it while the motor is out, but shooting to have it running by the end of the weekend. Anyone know where I can find a V8 throttle cable or good substitute? - Matt

 

Hey Matt,
I just saw the title of this thread and thought what a coincidence, I also received a '71 Comet GT as an early Christmas present from my dad. Then I saw the date and couldn't believe it, Dec 8th was the date of my dad's accident, so technically that's the day his Comet became mine. Anyway, just thought that was interesting and figured I'd share it.
Dan

 

That is a coincidence. Sorry to hear about your Dad's accident. - Matt

 

Thanks.
He would have turned 62 this Sunday (4-9), so I thought it might be nice to pull the Comet out for his birthday and get it fired up. I haven't heard it run in probably 20 years or so, so that should be fun. Maybe I'll post a video or something.

 

Sorry to hear about your Dad. I had a lot of fun and good memories of working on my first Maverick with MY Dad. I wish he could have been around for my latest one, but I know he is still watching over me. Now I'M the Dad, building memories with my two kids. Would love to see the videos/pics when you post them!

 

Firing it will definitely bring back some memories. We changed plugs and oil in the original engine we took out and it fired right up on the garage floor. Carried 40 psi oil pressure idling once warmed up and no smoking. I think it's going to get freshened up with owe GT40 heads and put back in the car where it started life along with a T5 swap. - Matt

 

Thanks.
Fortunately 4 of my kids were able to be there with me today. Got it going, but only for a minute because the gas tank is out of the car.