1965 Mercury Comet Project

[shortz]

hmmmm loving it.

Nice to see something different to camaro's, nova's and mustangs (no offence to any of these owners) Ive always been a fan of the mid 60's falcons and comets, infact after we have finished our 69 dart we will build 1 for the wife. Good luck with the black colour though, always looks good but a bitch to keep clean.
Doesnt look to far away from the first drive huh.

[Miss Daisy]

:yum: Get that 'Lil Beast' on the road! Miss Daisy and I have made two more shows since my last post. Two more trophies! A "Sponsor's Choice", and a "Second" in competition with ALL vehicles from 1960 thru 1969 (over 100) :twothumbs

[Cometose]

I've been peeking in at Woody's site on occasion, looking smooooth Josh! Won't be long now!:6gears:


Wait to go Bob!

[Miss Daisy]

I've been peeking in at Woody's site on occasion, looking smooooth Josh! Won't be long now!:6gears:


Way to go Bob!

If we crank out some nice one's, like Josh's especially, we're gonna get some recognition! My 'shade tree' project with Miss Daisy, and our kicking some serious Camaro, Chevelle, Nova, GTO, and other a$$es convinces me that we've got something GOOD going on!

[65 comet]

Hey Josh,

Comet is looking GREAT!

Regarding your dash, is that a Mustang cluster...and did you have to mod the dash to get it to fit? I'm looking at my stock cluster and it's plastic with cracks all over and am thinking about going your route.

thanks for any feedback

g

[Miss Daisy]

:cheers: Hey Josh.... You must be just pi**ing your pants! It's on the frame, and lookin good! Bring that pretty lil sucker on!:yum: :drive1: Bob

[Cometose]

Can you say bada$$!!:twothumbs

[Miss Daisy]

Can you say bada$$!!:twothumbs

:jawdrop: BAD A$$!!!!!!!!:machine:

[Krashyman]

Hey Josh,

Comet is looking GREAT!

Regarding your dash, is that a Mustang cluster...and did you have to mod the dash to get it to fit? I'm looking at my stock cluster and it's plastic with cracks all over and am thinking about going your route.

thanks for any feedback

g
Thanks George! The cluster is a 65 Mustang cluster from JME -- the one with the 6-gauge set-up (they also make one with a 5-gauge set-up). I believe that Woody's told me that the cluster fit in without any modification, because the dash set up of the 65 Comet was the same as the Mustang. The website for the cluster is:

http://www.jmeenterprises.com/65dash.shtml

Good luck on your build -- I check out your website whenever I get a chance . . . your Comet looks great!

[Krashyman]

Thanks Bob and Joe!!! Yeah, the last set of pictures are pretty cool to say the least. The shop also emailed them to me and they look even better blown up on the screen! The shop also emailed me a pic of the LED tailights that we had custom made, and the pic is not on Woody's website, so I'll make sure to post it and the other pics here as soon as I get a chance . . . I've been pretty swamped, but looking forward to things slowing down so I can focus on the Comet! Thanks again, Josh

[kamaroman68]

Krashy hate to keep bothering you but wondering if you got any more detailed pictures of the body mounts? Thanks Chris

[Krashyman]

I'll post more pics when I get a chance, but wanted to get this one up . . . . . my favorite picture of the build so far . . . .

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Cometose]

I saw the pic on Woody's site but this higher res image is.. :jawdrop:
Looking really bitchin!

[Krashyman]

Thanks Joe. Here is a pic of the taillight (custom LED set-up). I'll post more high-res pics of the car itself in a bit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[jackfrost]

where did you get the LED circuit?

[Code Red]

nice I'm kinda wanting to go LEDs on the 68 GTO

[Krashyman]

where did you get the LED circuit?
We got it from Technostalgia, which is owned by Todd Sondles (the brother of Chris Sondles, who owns Woody's). They didn't have a kit for the 1965 Comet, but they were able to work this one up for us. Technostalgia's website is www.cool-leds.com (http://www.cool-leds.com)

[Motown 454]

Josh when you get this together and runnig you have to post a video Looks Awesome !! any new updates?
Wayne

[GHOSTDANCER]

:twothumbs Great project

[Krashyman]

Josh when you get this together and runnig you have to post a video Looks Awesome !! any new updates?
Wayne
Hey Wayne, good to hear from you again. I'll definitely post a video when the car is done. And thanks for everyone's comments. Some additional update pics are below. It looks like the May 17 date is getting pushed back again. July 1 is the new deadline . . . we all want it done as soon as possible, but it's not something you want to rush (especially at this point in the project) just to get it done by a specific date!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Krashyman]

And here are some more update pics (sorry these are not high resolution, but I got them directly from Woody's website):

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Cometose]

Thanks for posting the high res pics Josh, it really shows how slick the paint is! Nice to see the tail light LEDs, something I've been thinking of doing "sometime" as well..definitely not a plug n play gig.

[BA.]

it's amazing how cool it does look there even without half of it's body panels!

Can't wait to see it put together!

[Motown 454]

When your getting results like that there is now reason to rush. Paint looks awesome! Wiring I'm not looking forward to that.
Wayne

[Krashyman]

Thanks all. Wiring is being done . . . .

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[hechtrod]

Awesome, just checking in after a few months of absence. Looking great!!

[Motown 454]

Looking good Josh !
Wayne

[novanutcase]

WOW! Looking very nice! Is that an MGW Short shifter?

John

[Krashyman]

Sorry all, been tied up for awhile. Thanks for the comments, Chris and Wayne . . . good to see you both on the thread! Yup, John, it's a MGW short throw shifter. I'll try to post more pics as soon as I can. Thanks, Josh

[BADVELLE]

I have not checked this thread for quite some time now, man does that car look nice! Great job, very nice choice!

[CRead01]

[quote=Krashyman]
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[absolom]

what instrument panel is that?

[absolom]

nevermind, i see it's a jme

what are the gauges though?

[ixfn]

nevermind, i see it's a jme

what are the gauges though?

Classic Instruments (http://www.classicinstruments.com).

[nugget68]

So July 1st has come and gone...is it finished?

[Miss Daisy]

Hiya Josh,

It's been a while since you've had anything to say. I hope everything is going okay. Miss Daisy has won nine awards so far this season, and the past two weekends have been washouts! I've updated her pictures on my "f quick" website.
I'd like to see you get your black beauty rolling!

Bob

[Motown 454]

Hi Josh any new pictures ?
Wayne

[Krashyman]

Hi all, thanks for checking in. Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted -- things have been busy at work/home.

I know the July 1st date has come and gone and, no, the Comet is not done yet. The final work on wiring/engine harness/fuel lines/fuel regulator/etc. has taken longer than expected. Woody's is trying to get everything done and ready to go before sending the Comet to the interior shop. The good news is that the plan is to fire her up this Friday -- if that works, then interior will not be far behind. In the meantime, the interior shop is underway on the seats. We got a good deal on leather hides, so we've decided to go with the real thing rather than synthetic leather for the interior.

Bob -- Congrats on all the awards for Miss Daisy. I really hope the summer doesn't pass us by before I get the Comet to a show you'll be at. We'll see. I checked out your fquick page -- I had forgotten that both of our Comets started out white!

Wayne -- Here are some new pics. The first one shows some issues with the fuel rail (not an exact fit) that Woody's emailed me. The others are from Woody's website.

Hope to provide a more exciting update soon.

Thanks,
Josh

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Motown 454]

Its still moving forward , I'll keep checkiong back.
Wayne

[Miss Daisy]

:twothumbs Hi Josh ~ I'm looking forward to making a show that you and your "Black Beauty" are attending. Based on the positive responses that "Miss Daisy" has received in the past year, your car will absolutely make people drool!:yum:

I'm attempting to attach some inspiration for you!

Bob

[Krashyman]

Thanks for the inspiration, Bob. It will be nice take the Comet to some local shows . . . but I just hope that it can happen in 2008! Things keep progressing, they just always take longer than expected.

Here are a couple of new pictures, ending with the steering wheel (which finally came in). Interior is just around the corner. Woody's has said that I should still get some summer driving out of the Comet, but we'll have to wait and see when it gets totally done.

I'll post more when I know more.

Thanks,
Josh

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Miss Daisy]

Hi Josh - I've just been to Woody's web site, and I must say it's great to see the "Black Beauty" getting put together!
"Miss Daisy" has won three more awards since I last posted, including a "Best Of Show" - they are on my fquick site.
I hope things are going well for you and your family.

Bob

[Cometose]

...it's great to see the "Black Beauty" getting put together!

X2!! Been checking at Woody's also...getting closer! :bananna2:

And congrats on more awards Bob!

[Krashyman]

Thanks Bob and Joe. It's coming along (slowly, slowly, slowly, but surely). A few update pics from Woody's website for those who have not visited it:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[BossaNova]

Man. Eveything looks so clean & well thought out/executed.
Awesome build.

[Motown 454]

Its coming a long nice. This is going to be sweet!

[lozell]

Hi Josh.

[Z06killinSBF]

Looks really nice.

[lozell]

Looks like an awesome ride, Josh--with all the character of the original but faster, prettier, safer. I bet you can't wait to get behind the wheel. It would be interesting for someone to do a side-by-side with your car and the original Comet: top end, speed in the quarter, braking distance, all the usual suspect. Probably someone already has. Seems like you're creating the best of both worlds.
Lozell

[hechtrod]

Krashy, lookin' good. I like the paint. Any full side shots? I am going to go drive a '64 Caliente today. Wish me luck! ;) Can't wait to see this car done and video on the road.

[1970cuda]

I did not see where you guys mentioned what kind of engine control system you are using. I have a 4.6 dohc that i want to put in an old mustang.
thank you

[Krashyman]

Thanks for everyone's comments.

Pops -- Good to see you on here (only took 2 years)! Check back for updates, and let me know if we're going to Cincy on Tuesday.

Chris -- No full side shots yet . . . front inner fenders are in, but outer fenders are not yet in place. Good luck with the '64, let us know how it goes.

Robyn -- We had trouble figuring out a solution for the ECU/harness for the 5.4 GT500 engine. Aftermarket was a possibility, but the shop had programming issues when they were installing an LS7 with an aftermarket computer -- and the 5.4 Ford was even less widely used in the aftermarket when we bought it. As it turns out, Sean Hyland Motorsport was the one place that said they could sell us a "plug and play" 5.4 engine (with computer and harness). My understanding is that SHM uses a factory ecu and re-programs it, but I don't know the details. For your 4.6 dohc, I think there will be more options (whether its a factory part from Ford or an aftermarket part from places like FAST, Accell, BigStuff, Venom or the like). Here's a link to a Hot Rod article on EFI systems -- not exactly what you're looking for, but might be an interesting read: http://www.hotrod.com/howto/113_0504_standalone_efi_systems/index.html. Good luck with your project.

[lozell]

Oops.

[lozell]

Josh, I'm enjoying all the comments and learning a lot from everyone. Seems to be good energy on this forum without anyone becoming negative. Some beautiful cars. Wish I could take a ride in each of them but will have to settle for riding in yours. It'll remind me of when I was cool in THE '60s instead of being old in MY 60s. I guess we'll decide on Monday if we're seeing the car on Tuesday. Are you calling it Black Beauty officially?
Pops

[Krashyman]

Josh, I'm enjoying all the comments and learning a lot from everyone. Seems to be good energy on this forum without anyone becoming negative. Some beautiful cars. Wish I could take a ride in each of them but will have to settle for riding in yours. It'll remind me of when I was cool in THE '60s instead of being old in MY 60s. I guess we'll decide on Monday if we're seeing the car on Tuesday. Are you calling it Black Beauty officially?
Pops

Hey Pops . . . we'll definitely talk tomorrow about whether we're going to Cincy on Tuesday to see the car. If so, we'll need to take a bunch of pics/vids and post them -- remind me to take the camera. As for a name for the car, it's just the comet right now . . . "Black Beauty" is a bit cheese-whizzy, don't you think? :geek:

[Miss Daisy]

Josh, I'm enjoying all the comments and learning a lot from everyone. Seems to be good energy on this forum without anyone becoming negative. Some beautiful cars. Wish I could take a ride in each of them but will have to settle for riding in yours. It'll remind me of when I was cool in THE '60s instead of being old in MY 60s. I guess we'll decide on Monday if we're seeing the car on Tuesday. Are you calling it Black Beauty officially?
Pops

I don't know you, but I have became an ongoing supporter of Josh and his Comet project. I think I put the tag "Black Beauty" on the car after I saw the first paint. Whether he thinks it's "cheese wizzy" or not, the car is well qualified to carry that name. After all, I named my 65 Comet "Miss Daisy" and even had the name pin stripped on the trunk lid LOL.
And oh, by the way, I don't recall ever stating my age on here, but I was 62 years old when I started on "Miss Daisy" and the guy who helped me build her was 65!

Hi Josh!

Bob

[Krashyman]

I don't know you, but I have became an ongoing supporter of Josh and his Comet project. I think I put the tag "Black Beauty" on the car after I saw the first paint. Whether he thinks it's "cheese wizzy" or not, the car is well qualified to carry that name. After all, I named my 65 Comet "Miss Daisy" and even had the name pin stripped on the trunk lid LOL.
And oh, by the way, I don't recall ever stating my age on here, but I was 62 years old when I started on "Miss Daisy" and the guy who helped me build her was 65!

Hi Josh!

Bob

Hey Bob! Lozell is my dad, so I like giving him a hard time! Miss Daisy has been around awhile and she definitely deserves her name. I think my comet doesn't get a name at this point -- at least not until the car has been finished for awhile and can live up to a kick-butt car like Miss Daisy.

Also, when we meet you at a car show (hopefully this fall, but who knows with how long the car is taking), you and my dad can compare memories of when people used to get around using horses instead of cars! Just joking -- my dad loves the old-timer jokes!

Best,
Josh

[Johnny C.]

I always liked the 65 Comet and your is by far the coolest one I have seen. Awesome work. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Miss Daisy]

Hi Guys,
I have tried to inspire you over the past months, and now it seems I am trying to inspire your Dad! Just remember, us old guys can take it as well as dish it out! LOL
I also hope that your Comet is finished before the end of the car season, and we can meet up. Miss Daisy is no comparison to "Black Beauty" LOL, but you are right - for a shade tree project by a couple of old guys, she has kicked some butt! As a matter of fact we won a top 20 award since I bragged last.
Tell your Dad that there are at least two cars that have been discussed in your thread that he can ride in and drive at least one of them - he would get the same thrill that I do while going through the five speed and feeling the three deuces kick in! He would get that 60's generation feeling all over again just as I do!
I know that the set up you have in your car is far and away "badder" than my 302 CI with posi 3.73:1 rear gears, but back in May on two passes on the quarter mile track (out of my curiosity, won't do it again) with street tires we turned 13.5* @ 107 mph in one lane and 13.4* @ 109 mph in the other! I'm satisfied with that. LOL
Did you get to Cincy today? Gitter done!

Bob

[lozell]

I enjoy reading about these cars and I know that both Miss Daisy and Black Beauty will bring smiles to my face when I see them or if I ever have the privilege to sit behind the wheel. I can already hear those carbs. My only puny effort was to fix up a 1965 Fairlane a few years ago—not restore it, just try to make it run and stop when it was supposed to. It had a 289, which wouldn’t hold a candle to the engines discussed here but I still think pound-for-pound it’s one of the best, most reliable engines we ever made. I was driving the Fairlane one day with a lady when it started to rain and the engine began misfiring. I pulled over to the side of the road and shut off the engine. The lady asked what was wrong. I told her that when the spark plug wires and distributor got wet, they caused the engine to misfire. She asked me what I was going to do about it. I said I intended to sit there until the rain stopped and everything dried out and then we’d be good to go. She was astonished. THAT is your repair strategy, she wanted to know. I allowed as how it was. She was upset, to say the least. I guess women just don’t understand the finer points of automotive engineering. Next post, I will explain to my whippersnapper son why the ‘60s were such great years.
Lozell

[Krashyman]

I guess women just don’t understand the finer points of automotive engineering.
How much are you going to pay me not to tell Kathy that you said this? :doh:


I can already hear those carbs.
You'll have a hard time listening for the carb in my Comet . . haha, nice to be able to correct the old man about something car-related (first time for everything). But you are correct about Miss Daisy -- her 302 was converted from EFI to carb. :poke:


Next post, I will explain to my whippersnapper son why the ‘60s were such great years.If you say you were at Woodstock, I'll tell everyone not to believe you! :secret:

[Krashyman]

I know that the set up you have in your car is far and away "badder" than my 302 CI with posi 3.73:1 rear gears, but back in May on two passes on the quarter mile track (out of my curiosity, won't do it again) with street tires we turned 13.5* @ 107 mph in one lane and 13.4* @ 109 mph in the other! I'm satisfied with that.
You should be more than satisfied with that! Very impressive, especially considering you have 195s in the front and 235s in the rear. Can't wait to see Miss Daisy in person.


Did you get to Cincy today? Gitter done!
Nope, unfortunately, we didn't make it out there. But, I dreamt about the Comet -- does that count?

[Krashyman]

I always liked the 65 Comet and your is by far the coolest one I have seen. Awesome work. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Thanks Johnny. Your 67 Lemans is a great looking car -- it will be awesome once you're done with it!

[Miss Daisy]

You should be more than satisfied with that! Very impressive, especially considering you have 195s in the front and 235s in the rear. Can't wait to see Miss Daisy in person.

I was hoping for mid 14's, and was plesantly surprised - I must have done something right!
And I can't wait to to see your baby - I call Miss Daisy a resto mod, but WOW, what is being done to Black Beauty is awesome!

Nope, unfortunately, we didn't make it out there. But, I dreamt about the Comet -- does that count?

Dreaming is good, but the "real deal" is much better. I can only imagine the anticipation you are having right now - waiting.......

[Miss Daisy]

How much are you going to pay me not to tell Kathy that you said this? :doh:

I liked that 65 Fairlane story Lozell - don't worry about Josh's wife, he's the one who has to answer to her, not you..LOL

You'll have a hard time listening for the carb in my Comet . . haha, nice to be able to correct the old man about something car-related (first time for everything). But you are correct about Miss Daisy -- her 302 was converted from EFI to carb. :poke:

Josh, you quit picking on your Dad..LOL - I bet he'll understand a lot more of what I did with the Miss Daisy build than he will of the Black Beauty build.

If you say you were at Woodstock, I'll tell everyone not to believe you! :secret:
I'll vouch for you Lozell - we were both there rolling in the mud - Josh is just jealous..LOL

[Miss Daisy]

I always liked the 65 Comet and your is by far the coolest one I have seen. Awesome work. Can't wait to see the finished product.

:crying:

[hechtrod]

Well, it didn't go well. The car looked good from the outside, but once you got close it was really rough. I did drive it. The 3 speed conversion was poorly done, the car didn't go well, 1 gear was too high, 3 gear too low for cruising/commuting. Oh well, it was cool to drive.

[lozell]

Josh, is a serious road trip out of the question for Black Beauty? I don't mean the week after you take delivery but maybe a year later after the newness is worn off. I can imagine cruising that machine out in the Midwest or West where the roads go on from horizon to horizon and you can drive for hours without passing anyone. Maybe the speedometer will also creep slightly past the legal limit, too--not that I'm advising breaking the law, of course.

How far has Miss Daisy been driven on a road trip? I know she was pretty awesome on the track.

Lozell

[Miss Daisy]

Hi Lozell,

Miss Daisy's longest road trip (maiden voyage) was 1,205 miles from Bastrop, LA to Bel Air, MD. Had a over heating problem during last 100 miles - reason was the 27,000 mile "junk yard" Explorer engine (my after the fact determination) evidentally had been in a vehicle that had had some sort of 'stop leak' put in the original radiator that had settled in the engine block from sitting around prior to our putting it in the Comet. I think the 20 hour trip 'cooked/vibrated' all that gunky stuff loose after 1,100 miles and was getting into the radiator. Some extensive flushing of the cooling system revealed that to be a fact, and now, 5,000 miles later there have been no more problems. Last fall we went on a 600 mile road trip out through western Maryland and down through the West Virginia mountains and she done great.:cool:

[lozell]

I used to live in WV so I know those mountain roads can be both beautiful and a challenge for a car. We had a little Subaru once that was okay on the flats but I felt like I should get out and help push it up the hills. After that, I said no more underpowered cars! Obviously not a problem with Miss Daisy. Regarding all that fix-it-up stuff that people put in tires and radiators to stop leaks or clean out fuel injectors or make transmissions run smoother--I don't know if any of it ever works in the long run, do you? Anyway, I'm glad you got all that sorted out. I love road trips in almost any vehicle but in something Super Coolio like Miss Daisy or Black Beauty would be AWESOME.
Lozell

[Miss Daisy]

I hope you guys had a great weekend:) I managed to get in a couple of car shows, and did alright.

Josh: I see they have posted a few more pics on Woodys site. Any progress reports?

Lozell: I agree with you - most of that "quick fix" stuff is a waste of money. I do feel that most radiator flush products help. 'Lucas' products are the only additives that I feel meet up to what they claim. My attitude is 'if it's not broke, don't fix it'.
You're right about Miss Daisy having no problems with the WV mountains - never have to go lower than 4th gear unless getting behind a log or coal truck - you know what I mean:hand: In 2006 I bought Chevrolets new retro HHR with a 2.4L 4 cyl engine and it has no problems with mountains like the older 4 cylinders did.

You guys take care - keep me informed of the Black Beauties progress - I'm probably almost as anxious as you guys are to see it finished!

[Miss Daisy]

I hope you guys had a great weekend:) I managed to get in a couple of car shows, and did alright.

Josh: I see they have posted a few more pics on Woodys site. Any progress reports?

Lozell: I agree with you - most of that "quick fix" stuff is a waste of money. I do feel that most radiator flush products help. 'Lucas' products are the only additives that I feel meet up to what they claim. My attitude is 'if it's not broke, don't fix it'.
You're right about Miss Daisy having no problems with the WV mountains - never have to go lower than 4th gear unless getting behind a log or coal truck - you know what I mean:hand: In 2006 I bought Chevrolets new retro HHR with a 2.4L 4 cyl engine and it has no problems with mountains like the older 4 cylinders did.

You guys take care - keep me informed of the Black Beauties progress - I'm probably almost as anxious as you guys are to see it finished!

1st trophy shown was a Top 20 on 080816
2d trophy shown was a Top 100 on 080831 out of over 600 entries
3d was a 'Classy Cruiser' on 080830

[Krashyman]

Hi everyone,

Sorry it's been awhile since I last posted -- we're getting ready to have baby #2 and so things have been hectic. Come to think of it, when the Comet project started, we had no kids and my wife wasn't even pregnant. Now, we have an 18 month old daughter and are about to have a son. Crazy how time flies.

Anyway, a few updates:

The guys at Woody's called me a couple of weeks ago to let me listen over the speaker phone as they fired the Comet up for the first time. There is no exhaust system yet, but it sounded great! There were no leaks and everything seems to be good to go.

I also got a call today saying that the Comet is now in the interior shop. We're going with real leather (instead of the Allante synthetic letter) and everything will be black.

The interior should take four to six weeks (hopefully less). The Comet then goes back to Woody's for the exhaust build (we got a kit from Borla) and final assembly.

Not sure what the final delivery date will be, but that's been the story of the build (better to do it right than to do it quickly). I'm getting excited about it as we get closer and closer to completion.

Some update pics are below.

Thanks,
Josh

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

"When do I get to drive the Comet?" . . . . .

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Motown 454]

Josh she's a cutie. Don't laugh My youngest daughter asked me the same thing. She's 29 and her first three cars were sticks. I'm so in trouble if she gets the keys. The car looks great.
Wayne

[Cometose]

Congrats on #2 Josh,that's fantastic! #1 has GROWN since the last pics!! My step-daughter just started college:eek: so I'm still thinking/planning what I'd like to do with my Comet..got a few more years for pondering. Enjoy the kids, time goes by really fast!!
Been checking Woody's site, nice to see the steady progress. Man, it's gotta feel great to have it at the interior shop!!
Getting closer yet!! Gonna be awesome!
Joe

[Krashyman]

Hey Wayne and Joe, good to hear from both of you. Just saw a few new pics on Woody's website from when the Comet went to the interior shop. Here they are . . .

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Motown 454]

I always love the long deck lid on these cars. Makes them look fast just sitting there.

[Krashyman]

Just got word that Woody's finished the grill emblem. It's not clear-coated yet, but pics are below (showing the before and after). I think it's neat that the Comet will have some GT500 badging . . . .

Before:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

After:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[fast Ed]

Nice to see the project coming together!!


cheers
Ed N.

[Regan]

I like the GT 500 badging, it's a pretty neat little touch. The car as a whole looks really sharp. Must be pretty exciting seeing it all come together.

[Krashyman]

Thanks Regan and Ed. Ed -- good to hear from you again!

No new updates on the Comet, but there's another pro-touring fan in the world. Sam was born last Tuesday and he and mom are doing great! A couple of pics are below.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[wiedemab]

Congrats! That's Awesome.

[Cometose]

Congrats to you and your wife on number 2 Josh,handsome lil fella! Hmm, yer gonna have to get the interior guys to stitch up a coupla leather kid seats for the Comet!

Oh, and I'm digging the grill emblem.Nice!

[Krashyman]

Thanks everyone! Sorry for not posting in awhile, but my focus has been trying to get some sleep with babies in the house!

Here are some update pics of the interior. The seats and console will be covered in all black leather (not yet shown in the pics), but we also plan to use a little stingray accent -- the shop laid out the stingray pieces to show where they will go on the front seats (shown in the pics), and all the rest of the seat will be regular black leather.

Let me know what you think (especially about the top stingray piece with the white spot showing, which I like but is a new idea suggested by the shop).

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Cometose]

The stingray accents sounds nice, what is the texture like?(hard to tell from the pics). If you decide to go with the upper piece with the white strip, maybe the white strip is a little longer and/or thinner like the new trim pieces on the front fender, just a thought.


Oh, and good luck with the whole sleeping issue!

[novanutcase]

Looks great except......

To me, stingray just screams "PIMP"! I would imagine that you wanted to get away from the normal leather interior and I commend you for it but I think that going with exotic skins isn't really going forward as much as sideways for your build.
I would look into different automotive fabrics that are already in use but use them in different and unexpected ways. This way you aren't "blinging" the interior for blings sake. I always like a more purposefully thought out interior and not an interior that is just "decorative". That's not to say that yours is just for decoration as I have only seen the pics you've posted here and don't know the full extent of your plans but, for me, the stingray isn't my first choice. Sorry!:dunno:

John

[Krashyman]

Hey Joe and John. Thanks so much for responding; appreciate the comments.

The idea of using some different fabric (other than just the black leather that will be throughout the interior) as an accent came from the fact that everything inside will be black. We thought that it would be too much to have the same black leather everywhere. But, we also didn't want to do a two-tone interior (because the aesthetic theme for the car from the beginning has been black everything). So, the interior shop came up with the idea of using a couple of stingray pieces that have a different texture (Joe, the texture is beaded) so that it will break up the smooth regular leather look. While stingray is extremely durable (better than cow hide), the main reason for the shop suggesting it is to break up the look.

John, I totally agree that function comes before form in all apsects of a build, but I also think it's not crazy to make a decision -- especially with respect to the interior -- that is based on how it will make the car look (as long as it doesn't impede functionality). One example would be the picture of the gussets that you posted for your Chevy II. The cut-out circles in the bars that run from the front to the back of the engine bay might be functional, but they also look pretty awesome. My guess is that achieving a certain look probably played at least some role in deciding to have cut-out circles in the bars, and that is fine by me. If I'm wrong here, mea culpa.

However, one thing that you said made me want to re-think things a bit. The "bling" look is not at all what we have been going for. My view is that stingray is not "blingy," but it was good to hear your views on it. So, here's an idea I'm thinking of: I have not been crazy about the white spot running down the middle of the top piece. Part of me likes it, but I haven't seen it in person and there is some concern that it might not go with the rest of the look of the interior. I'm thinking about asking the shop to use a piece that doesn't have the white spot on it (or dyeing the spot black or a dark grey). If I do that, I also think it "de-blings" the look somewhat.

Anyway, I'd love to hear what you guys (and others) think about this. It's always great to get comments -- including constructive criticism -- especially when it comes from a Comet owner like Joe or a guy like John who is building an incredibly kick-butt car.

Thanks again.
Josh

[novanutcase]

Thanks for taking as it was intended! Some people would be butthurt by my comment but your open mind tells me that the end result will be KILLER! You are right! If I had intended the car to be purely purposeful then some of those accents wouldn't have been done. I think as long as you can balance both it really makes the car a complete package.

Here's what I would do:

Black leather seat bolsters with perforated polyester based fabric for the inserts in maybe a charcoal. I would contrast stitch the seats and have the upholstery shop run fewer stitches per inch so that the yarn pops more and really shows up against the black. I would follow the color theme that you decide on using for the yarn throughout the interior by doing accents in that same color or color tone.

Look at a Dodge Magnum or Challenger interior and you'll sort of get the direction I'm talking about. Subtle, purposeful yet it still pops but doesn't hit you over the head with it!

John

[Young Gun]

how did you mount the car the frame? and how did you mount the seats?

thanks

[Miss Daisy]

Here's the old man back with his two cents! I lost this site when my computer crashed, but I'm Baaack!
Josh, congrats on the safe and healthy arrival of Sam! Beings it was a boy, I thought maybe you all would have named him 'Comet', or maybe even 'Cyclone".. lol (wink)
Now, my thoughts about your upholstery ~ You have enough chrome and aluminum components adorning your interior to use a touch of silver color in your seats. Insert panels of even just stitching! Too much black is too much black! What is the console (color and trim wise) going to look like? You should know by now, that I know how to make a Comet "dress for success" - (smile)
Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will look fantastic! Now 'gitter done'!

Bob


Hey Joe and John. Thanks so much for responding; appreciate the comments.

The idea of using some different fabric (other than just the black leather that will be throughout the interior) as an accent came from the fact that everything inside will be black. We thought that it would be too much to have the same black leather everywhere. But, we also didn't want to do a two-tone interior (because the aesthetic theme for the car from the beginning has been black everything). So, the interior shop came up with the idea of using a couple of stingray pieces that have a different texture (Joe, the texture is beaded) so that it will break up the smooth regular leather look. While stingray is extremely durable (better than cow hide), the main reason for the shop suggesting it is to break up the look.

John, I totally agree that function comes before form in all apsects of a build, but I also think it's not crazy to make a decision -- especially with respect to the interior -- that is based on how it will make the car look (as long as it doesn't impede functionality). One example would be the picture of the gussets that you posted for your Chevy II. The cut-out circles in the bars that run from the front to the back of the engine bay might be functional, but they also look pretty awesome. My guess is that achieving a certain look probably played at least some role in deciding to have cut-out circles in the bars, and that is fine by me. If I'm wrong here, mea culpa.

However, one thing that you said made me want to re-think things a bit. The "bling" look is not at all what we have been going for. My view is that stingray is not "blingy," but it was good to hear your views on it. So, here's an idea I'm thinking of: I have not been crazy about the white spot running down the middle of the top piece. Part of me likes it, but I haven't seen it in person and there is some concern that it might not go with the rest of the look of the interior. I'm thinking about asking the shop to use a piece that doesn't have the white spot on it (or dyeing the spot black or a dark grey). If I do that, I also think it "de-blings" the look somewhat.

Anyway, I'd love to hear what you guys (and others) think about this. It's always great to get comments -- including constructive criticism -- especially when it comes from a Comet owner like Joe or a guy like John who is building an incredibly kick-butt car.

Thanks again.
Josh

[Krashyman]

It's been a long time (too long) since I last posted, but that's what a two-month old and a 21-month old will do to you!

Thanks for everyone's prior posts and comments -- the comments on the interior especially helped me make some decisions. We made some changes from our previous plans, and I think the interior is coming out awesome.

I went to Cincy last weekend to visit the shop and see the car, and I took a lot of pictures. The Comet is in Barry Langdon's interior shop now, and will return to Woody's in the next couple of weeks for the exhaust build and the final assembly. It should be on the road before spring rolls around!

Anyway, I'll post some pics (might need to do a couple of posts because of the size and number of pics), and I hope everyone enjoys them. I also took some videos (including one with the engine running, which sounds great) . . . and if I can ever figure out how to post them, I will.

Happy holidays to everyone!

Best,
Josh

[Krashyman]

Some exterior pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Krashyman]

Brake lights, engine, and wheel:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Krashyman]

Some interior pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Krashyman]

Under the car:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Motown 454]

Hi Josh welcome back. It was definitly worth the wait. It looks arrow straight. I love the picture of the rear quarter , I like the long overhang behind the wheel. The interior looks good too. Very nice!
Merry Christmas to you and your family Wayne

[icebird84]

I love the details that are in building of this car

[Miss Daisy]

Looking VERY good Josh. Thanks for sharing the pics.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Bob

[LMDGUY]

wow.. looks great. Lots of detail work!

[Cometose]

Looks great Josh, you gotta be chomping at the bit! Please do post the video!
Happy Holidays!

Joe

[fastback]

What a great car! The original owner of a '63 Comet hardtop is trying like hell to get me to buy it from him. I've been resisting, but your project is not helping me at all.

[Miss Daisy]

Josh - Everytime I look at it I drool! Are you gonna just show it or are you gonna also drive the hell out of it? As I've told you before, I HAD the sweetest Comet on the east coast, but I am now ready to take a back seat to "Black Beauty"..... You go boy!!!

Bob & Miss Daisy

[Krashyman]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone. Bob -- you know it will be driven! The question is whether Miss Daisy will be up for a mini-race!!! The Comet just got out of interior, so that part is done. There are some additional photos on Woody's website, but I'm waiting for some better resolution ones to get emailed to me (if I don't get them, I'll post some of the website pics). Still working on the video posting -- haven't been on my home computer in I don't know how long. Next up: exhaust build, wet sand hood and front outer fenders, bolt everything up, and then drive it a bit.

[Miss Daisy]

Hi Josh - I'm sure you are happy to see the progress. Miss Daisy up for a mini-race?? Of course you are joking!! She turns mid thirteens at 107 to 109 mph in the quarter, not bad for a Ford Explorer 302CI engine, but definitely not in the league of the Black Beauty!! As I said before, I don't mind taking a back seat to a piece of art! Hopefully sometime this coming summer we can at least meet them up - brilliant black and bright yellow together should draw some attention.
Hope you and your family are doing great. Happy belated New Year!

Bob


Thanks for the kind words, everyone. Bob -- you know it will be driven! The question is whether Miss Daisy will be up for a mini-race!!! The Comet just got out of interior, so that part is done. There are some additional photos on Woody's website, but I'm waiting for some better resolution ones to get emailed to me (if I don't get them, I'll post some of the website pics). Still working on the video posting -- haven't been on my home computer in I don't know how long. Next up: exhaust build, wet sand hood and front outer fenders, bolt everything up, and then drive it a bit.

[1971CHEVELLE]

Wow awesome metal work....this car is going to be awesome wheels look amazing that’s really cool, congrats

[Cometose]

Looking good Josh! Gotta be nice seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Surely:6gears:is in your near future!

[CptKlutz]

:twothumbs Extremely nice car! Cant wait for video - and sound of course!

[Cometose]

x2!!:seizure:

[65MERC]

Josh;WOW!!!Your Comet is just BEAUTIFUL!!! I can't wait to see the finished product.I think it is great to see a Comet done up like yours,it is a fresh take on a beautiful car design.Most of the 64-65's end up like mine[drag racer],or are restored[which is cool].I may have to make a cross country trip to an Eastern show when you finish that beauty!! Josh;just a quick add to this response,the Mustang has the same dash as our 65 Comets,not the other way,we came first!!! I love to show the part numbers to the Mustang know-it-alls for fun!!!!! ROY.

[Krashyman]

Hey Roy. Good to see you over here on pro-touring.com! You should post a pic of your awesome Comet here . . . there are a number of Comet guys who read this thread and I'm sure they'd love to see it. And, good point about the dash and Mustangs -- you gotta keep those Mustang guys in line! I'm sure I'll post over on the other board if I ever go out to a West Coast show, I'd love to see your Comet also. Take care, Josh

[Miss Daisy]

Hi Guys ...

I'm seeing light at the end of that tunnel for you Josh.

Roy, if you ever do get to the east coast you, Josh, and I can definitely talk Comets - three nice ones as different as they are nice! It has been my pleasure getting to know both of you!

Bob

[Miss Daisy]

WOW Josh, I just looked at Woody's project site and I see that black beauty all put together and backed out of the shop!!
Yea - Yea - Yea!:1st:

[Miss Daisy]

WITH Virginia plates ON it! Come on boy, quit keeping me in suspense! What's the status????:yum:

[gearheads78]

Car is looking great I have been following it from the beginning. As an armchair builder :) IMO the hardware store brass fittings stick out like a sore thumb.

[Krashyman]

WITH Virginia plates ON it! Come on boy, quit keeping me in suspense! What's the status????:yum:

Hi Bob. I just got back from Cincinnati -- took the whole family out to look at the Comet. It is reeeallly close, but I wasn't able to drive it because of a problem with a part in the transmission. The shop thinks they know what the problem is, and they'll be trying to get a new part quickly so things don't get bogged down now that we're near the end.

Also, we might change the exhaust. Right now, the exhaust dumps under the car right before the rear end (uses turndowns on both sides). This is because there are clearance issues on one side of the rear end (because of a stabilizer arm that is on that side). We're trying to figure out if we can work around the issue and have the exhaust run out the rear -- we already bought the tips, so it would be nice to use them. But, the turndowns might need to stay as is.

We were shooting for an end-of-March delivery date, but we need to wait and see on the tranmission issue. The exhaust issue won't slow things down. The car looks amazing in person, and I can't wait to get it.

Thanks,
Josh

[Krashyman]

Car is looking great I have been following it from the beginning. As an armchair builder :) IMO the hardware store brass fittings stick out like a sore thumb.

Hi Richard, thanks for following the project. You're talking about the fittings in the plumbing at the front of the engine bay? If so, is it just the color that you think doesn't go well with everything else (becuase everything else is stainless)? If so, any suggestions? Thanks, Josh

[gearheads78]

Hi Richard, thanks for following the project. You're talking about the fittings in the plumbing at the front of the engine bay? If so, is it just the color that you think doesn't go well with everything else (becuase everything else is stainless)? If so, any suggestions? Thanks, Josh

To me its both the brass and the style of fitting. The rest of the car is just too nice. Looks like something from the Home Depot plumbing dept. Just something as simple as siver Aeroquip or similar fittings would look 100X better IMO.

Please don't think I am knocking your car. I am a detail freak and it jumped out at me.

[Krashyman]

To me its both the brass and the style of fitting. The rest of the car is just too nice. Looks like something from the Home Depot plumbing dept. Just something as simple as siver Aeroquip or similar fittings would look 100X better IMO.

Please don't think I am knocking your car. I am a detail freak and it jumped out at me.

Hi Richard,

I didn't think you were knocking the car at all. As I've said from the beginning, I welcome all comments (including constructive criticism), and I think the car has become a better overall product because people have been willing to tell me what they think. Obviously, I don't always agree with all comments, but it never hurts to hear what people have to say.

As for what you said about the fittings, I actually agree. I know it took a lot of work by the shop to make that part of the plumbing work the way it should, and I was happy with the functional part of it (I hadn't focused on the aesthetic part). Now that you've pointed it out, I see what you're saying. I'm actually going to ask the shop about it and see if there is an easy way to change the fittings.

Thanks again for your input!

Best,
Josh

[Miss Daisy]

Thank's for the up-date Josh. I feel much better now that I've had a recent "fix"! lol
You have to be feeling like a seven year old kid waiting for Christmas!

My best to you and yours - tell your Dad I said hi.

Bob

[Miss Daisy]

:lurk: ?????

[Krashyman]

Hey Bob,

Thanks for checking in, and sorry I haven't posted for awhile.

Here's more detail on the problem with the transmission: Turns out that the hydraulic throwout bearing for the clutch was a bad part. The manufacturer of the part was good enough to step up and send a new part to the shop . . . it took awhile, but arrived last week and is being installed by the shop now.

The other thing that happened was installing the exhaust. We're using the Art Morrison Max G chassis, and the suspension in the rear has a panhard bar that runs at a diagonal from the frame at one side of the car down to the top of the rear end. This means that there are clearance issues with running the exhaust over the axle on that side of the rear end. Anyway, the initial solution was just to dump the exhaust before the rear end by using turndowns under the car. After some research, however, we decided that we really wanted to run the exhaust out from under the car and to use tailpipes (and we already had bought the tips). So, the shop called Art Morrison and found out that the panhard bar could be bent up to 22.2 degrees without affecting the geometry or harming its structural integrity. The shop was able to bend the bar only 16 degrees to get the clearance we needed, and the exhaust now runs up and over the axle on either side of the rear end (under the panhard bar on one side) and out the rear on both sides under the back bumper. All that's left to be done is to install the tips.

I've included a picture of the exhaust and the bar after it was bent. I've also included a couple of pictures of the car pulling out of the shop on its fateful first test run. All of these are on Woody's webiste (I took some additional pics when I was in Cincy, but have not downloaded them).

We should only be a couple of weeks away from the car being completely finished and delivered (assuming no more problems with testing), and I'll post again when I know more.

Thanks,
Josh



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img2.imageshack.us/my.php?image=31293083.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img2.imageshack.us/my.php?image=26193507.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img2.imageshack.us/my.php?image=68634119.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img2.imageshack.us/my.php?image=25897863.jpg)

[novanutcase]

Lookin good!!

John

[Bryce]

nice comet

[Cometose]

Great to hear the loose ends are getting tied up, especially getting the pipes out the back. Look forward to lots of pics when it's done
and delivered and maybe a video of this badboy?!!:fingersx:

-Joe

[Krashyman]

Thanks all. Nice to see you're still around the site, Joe, hope all is well.

Here are some pics from yesterday's test day at the track. I wasn't there, but the shop said the Comet did pretty well. A couple of minor issues (some tire rub when there is a heavier load on board and some tuning issues), but nothing that can't be tweaked in short order. It's getting reeallly close!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=trackday09l.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=trackday11o.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=trackday12j.jpg)

[Cometose]

NICE!! Glad the shakedown resulted in only a few minor issues.
You sir must be getting extremely anxious, congrats on a mighty fine looking ride...and I'm sure it's gonna haul arse and handle just as well!

-Joe

[Miss Daisy]

Nothing short of BEAUTIFUL!!! Pant pant pant:1st:


Thanks all. Nice to see you're still around the site, Joe, hope all is well.

Here are some pics from yesterday's test day at the track. I wasn't there, but the shop said the Comet did pretty well. A couple of minor issues (some tire rub when there is a heavier load on board and some tuning issues), but nothing that can't be tweaked in short order. It's getting reeallly close!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=trackday09l.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=trackday11o.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=trackday12j.jpg)

[hechtrod]

Agreed, that's a beautiful car Krashy! I really like how it turned out. Now get some vid of the trackday up in here. :)

Any pics from the backside?

[Motown 454]

Josh the car looks great , glad to hear the test run went well. Its good to hear its only little tweeks needed.

[1971CHEVELLE]

Awesome car :1st:

[Bryce]

looks amazazing

[Roger M]

Nice work! Its realy cool to see someone build something other than a Camaro. :cheers:

[Krashyman]

Thanks everyone. And, a big thanks to Chris ("Hechtspeed") for doing a really cool story on the Comet over on MyRideisMe.com. If you want to check it out, the link is:

http://www.myrideisme.com/Blog/1965-mercury-comet-caliente-pro-touring-build/

I'll give another update as soon as I hear more . . . really hope it is still May when the Comet is done and delievered!

Best,
Josh

[hechtrod]

Thanks Josh for the kind words, but the Comet and Woody's fab work speak for themselves. MyRideisMe is lucky to be an outlet for cool cars like yours. Here's for hoping May is the month its done done! :)

[Krashyman]

New pics just in . . . .

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img4.imageshack.us/my.php?image=comet1.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img4.imageshack.us/my.php?image=comet2.jpg)

[Motown 454]

Any times to go with these pictures?? It looks great.

[oestek]

So how does it drive? It looks awesome!

[hechtrod]

Looks cool Josh! Love it! You got some nice comments about the car on MyRideisMe.com too!

[Krashyman]

No times yet -- it had a fuel sensor issue so it was running a little rich -- but it has now been fixed (hopefully) as the shop is doing teh final tweaks. Everyone thought it handled great and will run real fast. Here is a cool press release from Jegs that just came out:

Mike Coughlin serves as test pilot of two exquisite cars from Woody's Hot Rodz

5/12/2009

DELAWARE, Ohio (May 12) -- Drag racing champion Mike Coughlin recently spent a day at his home track of National Trail Raceway helping noted car builder Chris Sondles shakedown a pair of very unique hot rods.

The owner of Woody's Hot Rodz in Bright, Ind., Sondles was selected by Street Rodder magazine to build this year's Coast-to-Coast cruiser, a project that will be extensively outlined in an upcoming issue. Each year, Street Rodder selects a custom car builder to put a car together with the caveat being that the car must be driven across the country to prove that it's road worthy.

Sondles selected a 1952 Chevrolet Deluxe 2-Door Hardtop built it on an Art Morrison prototype chassis and filled it with many parts he got through JEGS High Performance. Sondles used Strange rear end, gears, axles, and coil-over shocks, Wilwood disc brakes, a Smeding 383 stroker SBC engine with Barry Grant 6 Shooter carburetors, a Gearstar 4L60 overdrive transmission, BFGoodrich G-Force KDW tires on Wheel Vintiques wheels, a Flowmaster exhaust, a Custom U.S. Radiator, and an Aeromotive Stealth fuel system.

"Like everything that Chris does, the car was beautiful," said Coughlin, the 2007 Division 3 Top Sportsman champion. "Even better, it handled like the nicest go-kart ever built and it had an incredible amount of power.

"I drove my (Corvette) Z06 to the track and when we started testing the Chevy on this cone-course they had set up, the hardtop was actually quicker through there than my car. It was the same thing on the skid pad test -- that little hardtop easily outperformed my Z06. It was amazing."

Just days before the scheduled test of the '52 Chevy, Sondles and crew completed a build-out of a 1965 Mercury Comet for customers Josh and Kathy Martin of Alexandria, Va., and as is his standard protocol, Sondles wanted to test it out before handing over the keys.

As usual, Sondles used many parts from JEGS during the construction of the Comet, which featured an Art Morrison Max G Muscle Car Chassis, Strange rear end, gears, axles, and coil-over shocks, a Mustang Shelby GT500 5.4L Supercharged engine, a Tremec T56 6-speed transmission, Borla Stainless Steel exhaust, Wilwood disc brakes, BFGoodrich G Force KDW tires mounted on BonSpeed Huntington Wheels, and a BeCool radiator.

"Scary fast," Coughlin said in describing the Comet. "Having that big supercharged engine really made a difference. I can tell you the Martins are really going to enjoy this car.

"Chris and his guys restored a '77 Z-28 for me and, just like these two cars, the thing came out so nice you almost don't want to drive it on the road. He does such beautiful work.

"I'm excited to keep up with the journey of the Chevy Hardtop. As it makes it's way across the country it will be making stops at different car shows and cruise nights so I hope to get out and see it again. For sure it will be fun to read the Street Rodder article, especially after driving the car."

Information regarding JEGS Mail Order can be found at www.jegs.com and for media/fan resources checkout www.teamjegs.com.

Media Contact:
Scott "Woody" Woodruff
JEGS, Director of Media & Motorsports
Office: 800.345.4545 (3.412)
Mobile: 614.595.1820
Fax: 740.362.4385
Email: [email protected] -or- [email protected]

[fast Ed]

Well done, great to see it all put together and going!!


cheers
Ed N.

[rogue]

absolutely beautiful car and nice to see something different.

[Cometose]

[



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img4.imageshack.us/my.php?image=comet2.jpg)[/QUOTE]
My favorite pic...so far!
"Scary fast", are you ready for that Josh?!!:twothumbs

[Motown 454]

"Scary Fast " And thats from a guy who knows. Good for you Josh.

[fantasygoat]

It looks amazing! I just wish the trim lined up and the gaps were even.

[Krashyman]

Thanks for everyone's comments -- great to hear from Ed, Joe, Wayne, and everyone else.


It looks amazing! I just wish the trim lined up and the gaps were even.

Good point . . . I assume you're talking about the trim that runs across the front of the car right above the grill (starting on one side of the front of the car, going across the front of the hood, and ending on the other side of the front of the car). I noticed this myself, and I wondered if it was just me or if it really looked uneven., so it's good to get confirmation from your constructive criticism. I've asked the shop about it . . . we'll see what the issue is and if it can be fixed.

[1970cuda]

Great to see everything come together sooooo nice. Great job

[novanutcase]

WAAAAHHH!!!! I wanna drive my car!!!!:crying:

Way to go Josh!!! Car looks great!!!

John

[fantasygoat]

That trim is held in place with acorn nuts and they have some leeway in terms of positioning. But, I would say your hood needs to be lowered at the front regardless.

I spent an hour lining up just one side on my Torino so I know what a pain it is!

[Miss Daisy]

Lookin SWEET Josh!
Regarding alignment of body parts, probably a little tweaking of the hood bumper bolts will take care of that. It's hard to make these old cars perfect, as they didn't come out of the factory that way! I have yet to see a trunk lid on any 65 Comet that is a perfect fit! If you are 'showing' your car, the hood and trunk lid are usually open and any alignment problems aren't noticed.
Josh I sure would like to see you show up at the Ford's at Carlisle (Pennsylvania) show 5-7 June. Not that I can stand the competition.. lol! But, that black beauty needs to be shown off!
Happy motoring!
Bob

[Miss Daisy]

My hood alignment...

[Krashyman]

Lookin SWEET Josh!
Regarding alignment of body parts, probably a little tweaking of the hood bumper bolts will take care of that. It's hard to make these old cars perfect, as they didn't come out of the factory that way! I have yet to see a trunk lid on any 65 Comet that is a perfect fit! If you are 'showing' your car, the hood and trunk lid are usually open and any alignment problems aren't noticed.
Josh I sure would like to see you show up at the Ford's at Carlisle (Pennsylvania) show 5-7 June. Not that I can stand the competition.. lol! But, that black beauty needs to be shown off!
Happy motoring!
Bob

Hey Bob! We've been trying to do everything we can do to get it done by the first week of June, but it looks like it's going to be more like June 15 or so. I guess Carlisle Ford show will have to wait until next year. Let's get together at some show in July -- any ideas? Thanks, Josh

[Miss Daisy]

Josh - Sorry that you can't make Carlisle, but for this year it will make my odds much better..lol. Regarding a meeting at a car show in July, I think that is great. Email me at [email protected] and give me your geographical home location so that I can Mapquest your address vs mine to hopefully find a location of a show where we can split the differences in travel and meet up there. If you are willing to come to Maryland, I can definitely find us one. Are you going to drive that black beauty or are your intentions to trailer it? Once you email me we can swap phone numbers and refine our plan! I would really like your father to be included. Regardless, I am gonna feast my eyes on your car even if I have to make a visit in my daily driver to your location! At your invitation of course.
Bob

[hechtrod]

Josh - Sorry that you can't make Carlisle, but for this year it will make my odds much better..lol. Regarding a meeting at a car show in July, I think that is great. Email me at [email protected] and give me your geographical home location so that I can Mapquest your address vs mine to hopefully find a location of a show where we can split the differences in travel and meet up there. If you are willing to come to Maryland, I can definitely find us one. Are you going to drive that black beauty or are your intentions to trailer it? Once you email me we can swap phone numbers and refine our plan! I would really like your father to be included. Regardless, I am gonna feast my eyes on your car even if I have to make a visit in my daily driver to your location! At your invitation of course.
Bob

You guys better take some pics of those two Killer Comets when they get together. :)

[Miss Daisy]

Daisy got Third place trophy from "Comet East" at Fords at Carlisle show. I'd have been fourth (no trophy) if the black beauty had of been there!

[Miss Daisy]

George - Buddy, you are doing SO great with your 202! Just looked at all of your plumbing! LOL I like your style ~ you encounter a "PITA" and move forward and gitter done!

[Krashyman]

Congrats on Carlisle, Bob! Just sent you an email about getting together at a show later in July or August.

[Miss Daisy]

Daisy got Third place trophy from "Comet East" at Fords at Carlisle show. I'd have been fourth (no trophy) if the black beauty had of been there!

1st Place and 2d place came in enclosed trailers....I killed a few bugs driving there!

[Krashyman]

The Comet is being delivered tomorrow; updates to follow.

[Cometose]

Awesome!! Post some(okay,lots of) pics then you guys get out there and enjoy!

[Miss Daisy]

0H BOY, OH BOY, OH BOY!!!!!!!:drool:

Josh, how far are you willing to travel to meet at a car show?

[Motown 454]

Sweet !!!

[Krashyman]

0H BOY, OH BOY, OH BOY!!!!!!!:drool:

Josh, how far are you willing to travel to meet at a car show?

I'll drive it anywhere within a few hours of us.

I drove it a bunch last night and this morning, and it's hard to put into words what that was like after the three year (plus) build. It was awesome.

I'll try to take some pics and video over the weekend and post them up.

By the way, Popular Hot Rodding is doing a feature on the Comet that will appear in the November issue (which comes out in September). They did the photo shoot last month and the pics turned out really great.

Thanks,
Josh

[Cometose]

Congrats on taking delivery of your Comet AND feature in PHR, very cool!! Looking forward to the pics and seeing/hearing this bad boy in a video. Light 'em up!

[Motown 454]

Josh congratulations on the PHR feature. This car deserves some nice press...

[WILWAXU]

Great job!

[hechtrod]

I'll drive it anywhere within a few hours of us.

I drove it a bunch last night and this morning, and it's hard to put into words what that was like after the three year (plus) build. It was awesome.

I'll try to take some pics and video over the weekend and post them up.

By the way, Popular Hot Rodding is doing a feature on the Comet that will appear in the November issue (which comes out in September). They did the photo shoot last month and the pics turned out really great.

Thanks,
Josh

Congrats Josh! PHR eh? Nice!!!!:)

[Krashyman]

I know I promised more pics and video since getting the car, but I've been too busy driving!!! Sorry about that.

A buddy took some video, and the YouTube link is below. It was taken in a parking garage with a iPhone video camera, but it still shows the car. And, ignore the tool in the shoftball shirt (yes, me). I'll post more pics and video soon.

And, Bob, you need to get back to me about going to a show together!

Thanks,
Josh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu5rhjNI4eU

[Cometose]

Summer's too short, keep driving and enjoying it! Get the vid and pics when you're too tired to drive(yah, right!). Otherwise this vid will have to do,for now...:).
Looking forward to video outide in the light and hear the rap out of the tail pipes!
Lookin good Josh!!

[Miss Daisy]

The video was Awesome Josh, even if the lighting wasn't the best. No problem for me though cause I have watched every single detail of it going together. Definitely looking forward to more!
I'm glad that you have been enjoying driving it....who wouldn't that has a morsel of gear head mentality! LOL
I can't wait to see the real deal! My shadetree restoration of Miss Daisy is definitely no comparison.

Get together at a show.... Map Quest this, and see if it's too far for you.... 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21014.... It's a three day event from 4 thru 6 September. 4th is no biggie, but 5th is when you get judged, and 6th is when awards are given out. If you could make, I'd suggest that you have room in that black beauty to take a 5 foot trophy home with you! It's an anual show at a nice location (Harford County Community College) that has from 500 to 700 entrants.
Let me know what you think. I'm open to any suggestions you may have also.
Say hi to your Dad, your Wife, and the two youngins!

Bob

[Motown 454]

If you have to be busy ,thats the best thing to be busy at.

[Krashyman]

The video was Awesome Josh, even if the lighting wasn't the best. No problem for me though cause I have watched every single detail of it going together. Definitely looking forward to more!
I'm glad that you have been enjoying driving it....who wouldn't that has a morsel of gear head mentality! LOL
I can't wait to see the real deal! My shadetree restoration of Miss Daisy is definitely no comparison.

Get together at a show.... Map Quest this, and see if it's too far for you.... 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21014.... It's a three day event from 4 thru 6 September. 4th is no biggie, but 5th is when you get judged, and 6th is when awards are given out. If you could make, I'd suggest that you have room in that black beauty to take a 5 foot trophy home with you! It's an anual show at a nice location (Harford County Community College) that has from 500 to 700 entrants.
Let me know what you think. I'm open to any suggestions you may have also.
Say hi to your Dad, your Wife, and the two youngins!

Bob

Hey Bob. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The Comet is going back to Cincy for some fixes that need to be done (nothing serious, all to be expected with a new build). Not sure how long it will be, but I'll keep you updated. Hopefully we can meet up at a show later this fall. Thanks, Josh

[65MERC]

Josh;great to hear your Comet is on the road.Congradulations on the PHR article,can't wait to see it.I wish you weren't clear across the country,would love to see it in person!It will be great to see something besides a red 69 Camaro in PHR!!!!When you have time you may want to let the Comet Central crew know you are on the road.Beautiful Comet!!!! ROY.

[Damn True]

I know I promised more pics and video since getting the car, but I've been too busy driving!!! Sorry about that.

A buddy took some video, and the YouTube link is below. It was taken in a parking garage with a iPhone video camera, but it still shows the car. And, ignore the tool in the shoftball shirt (yes, me). I'll post more pics and video soon.

And, Bob, you need to get back to me about going to a show together!

Thanks,
Josh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu5rhjNI4eU


Very nice car!

Always liked those things!

[65 comet]

Hey Josh,

Great to see your car in PHR! I've gotten a lot of inspiration from your build and my 65 Comet is almost done as well...too bad they are 3000 miles apart....

Have fun

George...

[Miss Daisy]

I just looked at your site George - Comet lookin good...soooo close!!

Bob

[Krashyman]

Has it really been four years since the last posts on my Comet / GT500 project thread? Well, I just wanted to touch base to see if any of my old pro-touring buddies are still around.

Also, after four awesome years, it looks like I'm going to be selling the Comet (although I'm thinking about keeping it another year to enjoy one more summer before moving on to the next one). I haven't decided where or how to sell it, and I'm actually struggling with what is a fair price. I think there is another thread for these questions, but just wanted to see if any of the folks familar with my project thread have any ideas.

Here is a link to some of the PHR photos just as a reminder of what the Comet looks like:

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0911phr_1965_mercury_comet/photo_01.html

Thanks, and hope everyone is doing well!!!

Best,
Josh

[Munssey]

Sorry to hear your letting it go but glad that someone out there will get one hell of a nice Comet. Good luck on the sale and whatever the next project is.