SINister EDition '66 Comet Caliente

[SE2839]

More Pics
Frame cut and spring relocated using Crites kit.
Test fitting Calvert split mono leafs.
Checking new tire fitment.

[mlcraven]

Are you going to be reassembled and running in time for the FE Reunion?

[SE2839]

I would really like to but probably not, too far from done and too far away. I am planning on attending the Meltdown Drags in Byron Il. July 19th, 20th and 21st and I may also try to attend the FCA Nationals along with the Downriver Cruise the weekend of June 27th and 28th.
My chassis guy was sick last weekend so I am already a week behind schedule but I am hopeful he'll have the tubs completed and the rear end installed by this weekend and to have it back home by next weekend so I can begin the front suspension and overdrive install.  Ed 

Pics
Opentracker suspension & NOS steering
Gear Vendors under/overdrive with Mustang speedo adaptor

[SE2839]

A little more progress was made this weekend, both wheel tubs are installed so more pics to share.

[SE2839]

My Comet came home today and went right up on the rack for further upgrades The shocks I purchased from Calvert are too long and are bottomed out at ride height with an empty tank so something else will be needed. I called Calvert and I will be sending the rear section of the springs back to swap out from a plus 1" to a minus 1" for a more original appearance. They say that this will eliminate any shock that they sell so they are issuing a refund.  I will reinstall what was on the car for now and return the Calvert's as the rest of the planned work progresses. Who here has moved their springs inboard and what shocks are you using?

[66FAIRLANE]

Gear Vendors under/overdrive with Mustang speedo adaptor

Hmmmm.... what's the Mustang speedo adaptor all about? Does it change the angle? Got any pics?

[SE2839]

The Mustang speedo adapter is basically a small (narrow) 90 degree housing that has the GM speedo gear installed on one end which slides into the gear vendor o/d and a cable attch point on the other and when installed on the unit it directs the cable downward and forward. I do not have a picture of it by itself but I have one with it still in the bag and the pic with everything laid out in the previous post has it already inserted into the o/d unit with the cable also attached. I will try to get a pic of it as I install it. I am going to the Columbus swap meet this weekend so it may not be until next weekend. By the way I have read your chronical several times on the install and I wish to thank you for the very detailed account.

pics added of Mustang 90 installed onto overdrive

[66FAIRLANE]

No problem. Glad it can be of some help. I didn't know about the Mustang adaptor when I bought mine. I needed to beat on my floor and I am still not happy about the cable. Will be shooting them an email. Thanks for the info.

[SE2839]

Yet more progress The shocks I'd originally purchased from Calverts were bottomed out at ride height due to having moved the springs inboard 3" and while they do offer another shock that is 1.5" shorter I was also looking to get a lower ride height. I was told by their rep Travis that if I were to exchange the back half of the spring to get my desired ride height that I would be unable to use their shocks as the shorter shock would present the same issue that I have now with less lift from the spring but that if I were to use lowering blocks (up to 1.5") the shorter shock would work with no ill affect caused by the lowering blocks. To ensure that I would have no further problems caused by a cheaply made block I made a pair from 1" thick steel and 1/2" rod to to correct ride height to correct the ride height and Calverts are sending me the replacement shocks.
1" lowering block
side view with lowering block installed
rear view with lowering block installed

I've also begun the Gear Vendors install so far I had test fit the tailshaft and the o/d to determine if I would have fitment issues which (despite their claims) I did so I marked the area that would need relief then took a chisel tool from an air hammer and blunted the end and used that to massage the trans tunnel. Another test fit and all was good! The rest of the install was a cake walk.
tunnel clearanced
GV installed
GV install completed

[SE2839]

Question, How much noise should a Detroit Locker make? I was preparred for the clicking when rounding corners but I also get a loud "chunk" sound when I go heavy into the throttle in a straight line. Is this a normal part of how the DL operates? After the first time it did it I took it out and had the set up rechecked, the pinion was shimed a little tighter and the lash readjusted, the mesh is good but the noise is still there. I figure that I have two options, if it is not right then I try to break it and if it is right then I break something else.

[jayb]

Hmmm, when accelerating in a straight line my Detroit lockers are pretty quiet.  Are you hearing the noise when mashing the throttle from a standing start, or just accelerating from a roll?

[SE2839]

I suspected as much. So far I've mostly hit it from a roll at this point, I have not really stood hard on it yet from a standing start.

[KMcCullah]

The Detroit Lockers I've messed with were loud banging deals. One in a Dana 60 and another in a Dana 70. Never tried one in a 9in Ford. But after a fairly sharp turn was made they would stay unlocked until I touched the throttle again and then "bang" they would lock up. I always wanted to try out the Detroit Soft Locker. Supposedly they are much quieter but they are also priced a bit higher.

I'm diggin' this Comet by the way. 

[garyv]

First off I have to say that is one nice ride you have there. You have certainly spared no expense
to make it right.
As for the Detroit lockers.  I have a soft locker in my 78 F150 that has a well built 460 in it
and it is totally quiet. You can feel it engage but that is about it.
I have a Nascar built locker in my 66 Fairlane and it is quite noisy when you make a really.
tight turn like into a parking lot or out onto the highway.  Once you straighten it up and if you
romp on it hard it will bang some until it locks and then its quiet.
Yours is probably fine. just have to get used to the racket.
I doubt you will break it.
Enjoy
garyv

[SE2839]

Thank you for the replies and compliments! This DL having come out of Bill Elliotts '87 Talladega car is a Nascar unit, I've spoken to Bill's brother Dan and he assures me that the noise is normal for these so I guess that it will just be a matter of getting used to it. Had I known that the Nascar units were this noisy I would have gone a different route but at least I know that it will handle 212 mph, lol.

Here are a couple more shots of the progression, the front end will be next;

  Original interior with new Moss Green carpet and Dark Green floor mats installed

  Carl's Ford Parts 427 fuel canister installed