Let me start out by saying that I am new to Comets and Mavericks. Actually, new to Fords altogether. I've always wanted a Cougar or Comet because my dad sold them back in the 60's and 70's. I have great memories of hanging out with him at the Lincoln / Mercury dealership. That said, before I get my hopes up and buy a Comet , are there a lot of new parts dealers out there that sell Comet parts (Interiors, body parts, trim, etc.) and have catalogs, or will this be a tough road? What companies do you use yourself? Thanks ahead of time.
A lot of parts "used" sourced for these cars are from folks on the forum. There are parts sources listed on the forum in the vendor section of this forum. Dennis Carpenter and Autokrafters are just a sampling of parts. Also, Facebook and Ebay are sources. Lots of parts from other Ford platforms enter-change. Just check out the search section here for some ideas. Good luck !
Welcome! Body parts are sometimes a bit more difficult to come by for the cars (Hoods and Grilles), but other parts are starting to be repoproduced by folks on the forum and by Autokrafters. If you decide to go for a big cat, I've got a 72 XR7 Convertible that I'd like to sell. - Matt
Keep in mind that THIS forum is primarily dedicated to 1971-1977 Mercury Comets that are like the 1970-1977 Ford Maverick. So hopefully you will find a 1971-1977 Comet so we can really help you.
Yep, that's what I'm looking for is an early 70's Comet. Not a fixer upper though. Something in great shape and ready to drive. Thanks, Doug (former Hoosier)
from Wisconsin! With these cars is can be "fun" to hunt for all the parts needed to do a full restoration. But you are going to be way ahead of the game to buy a nice car that needs little to no work needed to have a car like you want. If you are not in a rush some very nice cars show up for sale at prices way less than the owner has in them. You just need to be patient, know what you want, and strike a deal when the right one comes along.
I totally agree. I told another member why. I had a bad experience with a 1972 Cutlass a few years back. Long story short. I bought the car and had the same guy "restore it". After a year of aggravation, over $8000 in new parts, etc. I got the car back. It was leaking all kinds of fluids and to top it off, the engine needed to be rebuilt. The guy never told me that and went as far as to pull the engine out, new gaskets, detailed it and the engine compartment, and reinstalled the bad engine. The oil looked like silver mercury!!! So I had $30K into a beautiful looking car with a bad engine. By this point my wife and I were so disgusted with the whole experience that I sold the car and took a beating. It took me a long time to get over that. What a crook. The only bright side was the guy is out of business now after I blasted him on line with the whole story and horrible feedback. Wisconsin? I love Wisconsin. I go up to northern Wisconsin (Boulder Junction and St. Germain) about every year to fish. My dad started taking us there in the late 60's, and I've carried on the tradition with my family. You just can't beat cheese, pretzels, and beer. Be safe out there and thanks for the reply.
As Acornridgeman has said you are so much better off to buy a car as close to done as possible. Many people have bought cars that needed work only to have them sit and never be completed due to the challenges they face especially when it comes to rust issues, there never seems to be just one little spot that needs work you get into it and it is like cancer and has spread. One of the first places to check that you can not see is the cowl area in front of the windshield, you can pour a bucket of water in it slowly and go inside at the corners underneath the dash there maybe be water on the carpet or floor if the floor is rusty in those areas then more than likely the cowl leaks or windshield leaks, same with back window most cars have the original rubber. Pretty common problem. If you find a car that is too far away to look at yourself dont be afraid to ask if someone close can look at it for you, 71-72 Comets are harder to find than Mavericks of the same year
Thanks so much on the info . I will never buy another fixer upper. Too many bad experiences and it's getting harder to find people that will work on old cars. I know what you are saying about finding a Maverick vs. a comet. Same with the pinto vs. Bobcat. I always like something different. There are so many Camaros, Chevelle's, and mustangs out there. Great investments for sure, but I get tired of looking at them at car shows after while. Thanks again, Doug
