FE Power Forums

FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: 70bosscat on March 27, 2021, 02:14:40 PM

Title: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: 70bosscat on March 27, 2021, 02:14:40 PM
Does anyone know anything about the history on this car? One of 19 produced?

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0321/open-roads--march/lots/r0021-1967-mercury-comet-cyclone-r-code/1053891
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: brettco on March 27, 2021, 03:11:02 PM
 Incredible car. A similar green farilane was on eBay a few months back. Could Ford have made the shock towers any bigger and in the way?
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: thatdarncat on March 27, 2021, 03:16:42 PM
Per Kevin Marti there were a total of 60 1967 427 Comets built, both R code 2-4V and W code 4V, and all body styles. Here’s the breakdown:

(https://i.postimg.cc/9QcSqc6C/FE17-D9-AB-686-C-41-E3-A424-C5-A2-B107279-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLkvpYqF)
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: thatdarncat on March 27, 2021, 03:25:06 PM
Nothing to do with the car up for auction, but I’ve been lucky enough to see a handful of the ‘67 427 Comets. Here’s a picture of one about 5 years ago in the Bob Marvin collection at “The Shed” in Warroad Minnesota. I’m not sure if he still has it.

(https://i.postimg.cc/ryCNR5MR/7-FBB45-A9-AA71-44-C8-8060-9-BB76-FF28081.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6TqvD27B)
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: GerryP on March 27, 2021, 03:37:35 PM
I was wondering how they got the pentroof covers to fit.  In subsequent photos, I see they didn't.  That car was rode hard and put up wet.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: fryedaddy on March 27, 2021, 05:16:16 PM
i remember one in a local trading post back in 85 or so.they wanted 4000 for it back then, 427 ht 4 speed.i wanted it bad.i was a teen and i bought my 1966 390 4 speed caliente for 200 dollars. no way i had 4 grand as a teen.but im happy to own my 66 for 38 years.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: Joe-JDC on March 27, 2021, 09:23:26 PM
It has got an eight inch rear axle assembly which is not R code stock.  Will cost a lot to restore this one if it is an original R code.  Joe-JDC
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: 428kidd on March 28, 2021, 07:22:24 AM
That's what I'm wondering? What's the car worth done? Looks like all the paint work will need redone. Poor gaps through out. Lot of none original engine parts. Already at 37k , so done what's the car worth? There was a gold 202 years ago I think in Canada, guy on the old forum used to post it some.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: BruceS on March 28, 2021, 08:21:18 AM
IMO the toughest part of that resto will be finding some '67 Cyclone-only parts such as missing moldings, etc.  A parts car will be needed!  On the other hand, there are knowledgeable R-Code folks out there who can help. If restored, the exhaust manifolds are unique to the R and W code cars. 

GerryP, a friend of mine has both '66 and '67 R-Code Fairlanes.  The '67 came with PBF valve covers.  The '66 with Pentroof. 
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: GerryP on March 28, 2021, 11:50:39 AM
The '66 used short pentroofs.  Not anywhere near as tall as those aluminum cast on the subject car.  You can see one of the photos where the brake booster/master is missing and the booster bracket has been removed and set aside to clear the valve covers.  This car seems a real mess. 
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: cjshaker on March 28, 2021, 12:08:12 PM
It has got an eight inch rear axle assembly which is not R code stock.  Will cost a lot to restore this one if it is an original R code.  Joe-JDC

In the only picture where it's visible, it looks like a 9" to me.

https://rmsothebys-cache.azureedge.net/1/f/0/3/a/a/1f03aae9ec442ca693c154cd1dbd19d6315db31c.jpg

You guys are being hard on the car, IMO. It looks super solid, with original floor pans and engine compartment panels. Panel fitment is not terrible, just some minor tweaking needed for alignment in a couple of areas. But all the panels look very solid and straight. Lots of spare parts that can be sold off or kept. Yes, lots of little stuff missing, but one parts car would take care of that, and I'm sure there are some guys who already have that stuff. Engine isn't original, but that is the norm on cars like this, not an exception. I'm not up on values, but I'd certainly think it'd go over $100k if done right. Looks like a great project to me, if you can afford the proper restoration. It'll be interesting to see what it sells for.

That car was rode hard and put up wet.

How so? I don't see any signs of abuse or damage. The underneath is as solid as it gets, so it most definitely was not "put up wet".
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: Joe-JDC on March 28, 2021, 12:12:30 PM
If it is a 9", then it is 28 splines which would not be correct.  Look at the axle flanges.  Joe-JDC
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: JamesonRacing on March 28, 2021, 12:47:46 PM
You're spot on Joe.  In one pic you can see the axle housing from the rear, and it looks like a 9 inch, but the axle ends are clearly 28-spline.

I can't figure how the economics of this car add up.  It looks like it would go north of 60k to get the cosmetic restoration done right, then the mechanical is going to be another 20k.  The car, perfectly restored, would probably not bring over 100k, so there's not much room for profit.  Perhaps as a labor of love, which is fine.  I don't see that any of the "restoration" that has been done would be good to go.  Would be a total strip down and rotisserie project.  Every bit of chrome and potmetal is deeply corroded.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: preaction on March 28, 2021, 12:54:16 PM
The cookie cutter valve cover "caps" sell in the 1k range when available. I had a W code engine dated parts are far and few between.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: Yellow Truck on March 28, 2021, 01:51:29 PM
For a resto-mod project this looks good. For a full restoration it seems problematic. The issues with trim, valve covers, and rear end have been covered, but what about the mill? It seems to be a non running vehicle, and even as a non-original engine the 427 has to be 1/4 the value of the car.

Who wants to take the bet that it is unmolested and in good shape?
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: Gregwill16 on March 28, 2021, 02:34:22 PM
They are almost always worse than they look, but it looks like a super solid car to me. I suspect the big dogs will be on this one because it is such a good starting point.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: GerryP on March 28, 2021, 03:21:04 PM

How so? I don't see any signs of abuse or damage. The underneath is as solid as it gets, so it most definitely was not "put up wet".

I looked again and your appraisal is probably more in line with reality.  It is a pretty solid car.  The dirty condition makes it appear worse than it really is.  But it's still going to take a lot of work and in the end, you had better be jonesing for a '67 Comet R code since there's not going to be any margin for a profit if it reaches anywhere near the forecast price.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: 427FeWedge on March 28, 2021, 03:56:47 PM
It will need the spec casing along with the 67 31 spline axles,  have a different flange.
This will be an expensive project to complete.

Rob
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: cjshaker on March 28, 2021, 05:09:16 PM
It's near impossible to make a profit off of any good restoration these days. When average plain old small block Mach 1s are selling for $25k-$35k and up, profit from a full on restoration is near impossible. The only way people make money on them now is to give them a 'nice' 20' paint job, throw some aftermarket parts on and shine 'em up real good, like a used car salesman. All of the "reality" shows are based on that premise.

For someone who's got a stash of parts, and there's quite a few guys out there, this would be a great restoration project, even if it's isn't 'nuts & bolts' correct.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: 427mach1 on March 28, 2021, 06:49:26 PM
Is it just me or...   The entire car is covered with dust that could have easily been removed and cleaned up, so I assume the seller is trying to capitalize on the current "barn-find" craze.  Yet the 427 fender flags are perfectly clean!  What gives???
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: 482supersnake on March 28, 2021, 08:22:37 PM
The same owner also had a 69 Boss 429 that they were auctioning.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: thatdarncat on March 28, 2021, 08:40:08 PM
The same owner also had a 69 Boss 429 that they were auctioning.

The Boss 429 sold at the auction last week. A friend was watching it. Here’s the link:

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0321/open-roads--march/lots/r0020-1969-ford-mustang-boss-429/1053888

And I agree, it would be much nicer to view these cars without the dust, but it seems to be the “in” thing now.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: GerryP on March 28, 2021, 08:47:49 PM

And I agree, it would be much nicer to view these cars without the dust, but it seems to be the “in” thing now.

It is.  I occasionally watch this show, Chasing Classic Cars.  Wayne Carini will pull these cars out of a garage, slap them on the ass and send them to auction as is.  They look like shit, but the people who buy these things think all the dirt, bird droppings, mouse crap, cat urine, and dead lizards are really cool.  I used to be just the survivor with patina was cool, but now they are super cool.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: 427John on March 29, 2021, 01:23:28 AM
This car doesn't appear to be a survivor with patina,but a stalled restoration project that couldn't exactly be described as unmolested.A friend of mine would describe it as "that cars like a 'enter your hometowns name here' girl somebodies already been there".
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: Falcon67 on March 29, 2021, 09:18:46 AM
... Could Ford have made the shock towers any bigger and in the way?

LOL, same on my Falcon - they are out there for sure.   Great car, Lots of work and more a work of love if it gets close to top estimate.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: cleandan on March 29, 2021, 06:56:52 PM
Is it just me or...   The entire car is covered with dust that could have easily been removed and cleaned up, so I assume the seller is trying to capitalize on the current "barn-find" craze.  Yet the 427 fender flags are perfectly clean!  What gives???
It is not just you.
This car has clearly received paint work...I mean there is overspray on at least one tire fer cryin out loud.
It displays all the signs of sitting in a so-so environment garage, as claimed.
It also displays a specific desire to use the dust and grime as some sort of badge of honor, when cleaning this car up would provide a MUCH better image of what is really there from all aspects.

I don't mind honest patina and dirtyness from enjoying the vehicle.
I do find it a bit offputting when the seller "dresses" the car in an attempt to provide something the car really does not have.

This is a neat car all on its own, and it does have a real world "been sitting waiting my turn" story....but it is not an original survivor, or genuine barn find, like they are trying to imply.

Now...who's up for an LS swap into the Mercury?
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: CDXXVII on March 29, 2021, 07:06:59 PM
I would be curious to know the story. Was it headed for a resto or was it a hoarder who passed away?
Also have to wonder who bought it and if they are motivated by profit or not.

Mecum sold a 67 Cyclone R code in 2013 for $47000 with commission. It was out of a collection and pretty nice.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: TimeWarpF100 on March 29, 2021, 09:56:00 PM
Does anyone know anything about the history on this car? One of 19 produced?

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0321/open-roads--march/lots/r0021-1967-mercury-comet-cyclone-r-code/1053891

I ran the 427 Comet registry for many years and have owned 3 R codes so know a bit about them.

This car was built on April 19th 1967
Blue metallic with blue bucket seat interior
Only options were  Tinted Glass, AM Radio, CLock, Rear Speaker. It had F70x14 Tires.

There were 8 Cyclone's with GT Package built

Looks like a pretty solid car

Best I can see looks like it has both of the Original 427 Only front fenders. I did not spend that much time looking at every detail in photo's.

I have owned a 1 of 4 Caliente  R code
1 of 6 Capri R codes

And a White/Red Cyclone R code

Also had 3 427 R Fairlanes.

I had Marti Reports on all 60 427 Comets
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: TimeWarpF100 on March 29, 2021, 10:06:33 PM
Nothing to do with the car up for auction, but I’ve been lucky enough to see a handful of the ‘67 427 Comets. Here’s a picture of one about 5 years ago in the Bob Marvin collection at “The Shed” in Warroad Minnesota. I’m not sure if he still has it.

(https://i.postimg.cc/ryCNR5MR/7-FBB45-A9-AA71-44-C8-8060-9-BB76-FF28081.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6TqvD27B)

Do you know if this car has been in MN since new?  There were only 3 427 cars with white/red combo  of course only one new went to MN.

Do you know if It has factory Power Steering or not? Only one 427 car had power steering.

Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: 428kidd on March 30, 2021, 08:31:22 AM
What makes the front fenders specific to 427 cars? Thanks Lance
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: Falcon67 on March 30, 2021, 10:31:51 AM
I would agree it would have been better to just wash that crap off so people could see it.  The dirt adds nothing. It's been in storage, yea - we know.  If we wanted artificial drama, we'd watch some of the shows on the MT channel.

>Now...who's up for an LS swap into the Mercury?
That kinda talk will get you throwed out of this bar.   ;D
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: Thumperbird on March 30, 2021, 12:55:17 PM
Looks like it sold for $41k, while it does "look" solid one has to wonder just how much filler is under some of that paint and without the original drive train this seems like a crazy #, I must be getting old.
Would be a great resto mod start I suppose but for $40k?

 
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: shady on March 30, 2021, 01:29:17 PM
I think it was well bought. Early Mustang fastbacks are doing that kind of money these days.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: cjshaker on March 30, 2021, 01:49:35 PM
Looks like it sold for $41k, while it does "look" solid one has to wonder just how much filler is under some of that paint and without the original drive train this seems like a crazy #, I must be getting old.
Would be a great resto mod start I suppose but for $40k?

When you look at the shots of underneath, there isn't even a hint of any rust. Not even in the areas prone to rust, so I'd guess the panels are pretty darn solid, not counting for any sheetmetal damage that may be hid.

Resto mod? Why would anyone take a rust free, super rare performance car and make it a resto mod? That would be a really bad decision.

Personally, I don't care if someone paid $75k for it. If the car gets restored to its potential, then it's another rare example that's been saved. I don't know of many people who can make money off of any restoration, or resto mod. Unless you already have the majority of parts, it's just not gonna happen. Unless, like the 'reality' shows, they throw a bunch of repro parts on, give it a "20' paint job" and slap it together in a few weeks. At $41k however, I'm guessing whoever bought it is serious about restoring it.
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: cammerfe on March 30, 2021, 11:09:29 PM
I bought my first new performance Ford in February of 1964. A Custom with the full run of 427 stuff and a radio. I made the first change in it within about 15 minutes of getting it home.

Every car I've owned has been 'improved' within a very short time of taking possession---some more than others.

I bought them all for the fun of owning and driving them. Never had a thought about future value.

KS
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: Keith M on March 31, 2021, 02:30:50 AM
The vin on the door and radiator support appears to match, but the auto trans hole in the floorboard is making me wondering if there is a body swap?  If so, then why not fix the floor shifter opening?  Not saying it was done, just curious. 

Keith
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: TimeWarpF100 on March 31, 2021, 10:51:39 AM
My take: For something this rust free and appearing as a legit 427 car 40k was absolute steal.

I just looked a bit more at photo's and from best I can tell it has the Original 427 Only Core Support, 427 Only Fenders, 427 only shock tower bracing, Floor bracing but not able to see areas with other gussets or other 427 Only components.

If I had better pics of even just the core support it would tell me if it was possible rebody but indications for what I currently think nothing gives me indication it has. I do know there was a car in area that was rebodied but do not think this is it.

427 Cars had more structure support than the 390 cars. 390 cars had more than a 289 car . .

I know of absolute rust buckets that have brought the 40k mark. I would have bought this car at 40k with just 2 minutes with car. maybe 30 seconds or a couple of proper photos
Title: Re: R code 67 Cyclone project coming up for auction
Post by: TomP on March 31, 2021, 01:54:04 PM
Interesting car. So is it a Cyclone GT or a regular Cyclone? I didn't think the 427 was available in the GT but you say 8 , so that is half of those 16 Cyclones. The hood doesn't seem to have the flattened spots for fitting the air cleaner. I assume if the 427 8V came in a GT there should be some fiberglass hoods with the clearance mods. Power steering is another it's always assumed wasn't available. There were development cars on a sheet Dennis posted years ago that were autmatic tranny, were there any production ones?

Being a Cometphile i'd love that car.... i'd be priced out at ten grand though!