New Member Allen Hendricks Northern California

Hi---I've visited this forum several times before but have never posted. I have a 1972 Mercury Comet that I restored for my mother-in-law in 1996. She can no longer drive---so my wife and I have gotten it back again. Today it is in my shop----I just finished removing all the suspension and steering parts. I am going to install Mustang II suspension with a power rack and big disc brakes. Then I am going to install a 1994 Ranger 2.3L four banger with a mustang t-5. It is the 8 plug engine with about 7,000 miles on it. I have never done a computer swap before---so any help would be very nice! I am taking lots of pictures. Also----the comet had power steering----I removed all the original parts if anyone is interested. If anyone has done a computer swap before--I certainly would like to know what fuel pump or fuel pump/tank combo to use. Thanks in advance. Allen Hendricks-------oh, I am a professional 5string banjo player since 1970---I teach banjo to students---AND---my brother (Monte) and I build custom banjos as Hendricks Banjos. I put grabber hood and rear spoiler on the Comet in 1996.

 

Welcome from mid georgia. Im sure these guys will corrct me if im wrong but, the 8 plug head is bad about cracking easly when run hot. I was told by a dirt track racer that the 2.3- 4 plug head would work on the 8 plug block. He thought a person could use the 8 plug electrical and fuel sys., just un plug a coil pack-1. I cant help you on the computer for the car. Hope this helps , I would like to hear more.

 

welcome from the mitten!

 

Welcome to the site!!!!!

 

from Northeast Pennsylvania

Would love to see photos of your progress as you move forward

 

Welcome from Sebastopol, CA!

 

Comet M II swap + 2.3 + t-5---progress

Today---we removed the suspension and steering----cut out the shock towers---removed the splash pan under the front bumper-----cut openings in the front of the frame. Tomorrow, we will slide 2 1/2 X 1 1/2 X 31'' thick angle iron inside the frame rails after drilling some holes into the inside of the frame rails. Then we will plug weld the angle to the frame rails----all this to strengthen the unibody. We will also do some boxing above the frame at the firewall. I am using a stock Mustang II crossmember---looks like we have to add 3 inches to the center for it to fit the unibody. Also, tomorrow, we hope to fill the BIG holes left by the shock towers. Those are big plans for one day, but, we'll see how it goes. I am committed. Allen

 

Welcome from Ocala,Florida.........

 

Welcome from California.
Where in Nor Cal are you at?

 

I live by Garden Valley--10 Miles north of Placerville---about halfway between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. 2000 foot elevation. Foothills with great roads.

 

Very cool! I live in Placerville. Yeah, my Maverick needs the front end rebuilt and doesn't like Hwy193 very much. My Cobra Mustang on the other hand, loves it.

 

I looked up your banjos and they're beautiful!

http://www.hendricksbanjos.com/model_I.html

 

If you like the banjos, you may have fun checking out allenhendricks.com. A small website my wife put up for me. Allen

 

Mr hendricks,did you have a six cylinder in the maverick? If so I would be interested in the fuel system parts and air filter.

 

Yes--it had the 250 six with Auto transmission. I still have the two of them. The only continuing trouble I had with that setup was the carburetor. My wife and I rebuilt it twice and were never satisfied. The auto choke was the biggest problem. We even replaced all the tubing. If we set it to close enough to start easily in the winter---it wouldn't open fully----and the opposite is true too. Other than the choke--the carb seemed fine. How much of the fuel system would you want? Shipping might be prohibitive if you wanted the intake manifold..