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Latest project: 1962 Mercury Comet S-22
I am not a "Ford guy" but could not pass this up. I went to look at some 67-72 Chevy trucks at this old fella's place and they were all rusted beyond resemblance or wrecked. I pulled a few good parts, but thought I was about to leave empty handed. I had even taken my trailer, a battery and some gas thinking I might buy a complete truck. As I was leaving he says "Too bad you don't like Fords. I got a nice Mercury Comet in the barn." I went and looked at it and he said he bought it about 10 yrs ago as is. It is a 1962 Mercury Comet S-22. He said when he bought it he drained the gas tank to keep from ruining it. PRAISE THE LORD, PASS THE AMMUNITION!!! We put a battery and gas in it and drove around his driveway! What really blew my mind was when he reached over and turned the AC on and cold air came out!!! I readily gave him the gave $500 he was asking for it.I did some research and the S-22 is a little more rare than the regular Comet. (sporty package, mostly trim, still has a 170 c.i. 6 cyl.) It is before Mercury came out with the Caliente with the V8. He said he decided to sell since he has never been able to find a fender at wrecking yards locally since cars this old are all gone (crushed). I don't think he has ever even heard of the internet. I almost asked him if he tried Hemmings books, and decided to keep my mouth shut (for once). After I got it home, I bled the brakes and took it down the dead end road in front of my house. The odometer read 42,xxx, but judging by the scary noises coming from the front end, I would say 142,000.I am going back and forth on the mileage. For example, the driver side door latch dragged, but the hinges did not have any slack. I used a file to "dress" where the door latch meets the pillar latch and fixed this. The car will intermittently start with the ignition switch. (More often it will not start. I replaced the starter solenoid thinking that was the problem. I tried cleaning the igniton switch by spraying brake parts cleaner then white litium grease and it got a little better, but I think it need a switch. 42k miles would not wear out an ignition switch. Also, one of the Comet "experts" I contacted wanted to see pics. He was impressed, but pointed out that the seats have been recovered, although very well done. He pointed out that the stock rear seat had a Mercury head logo from the factory. Why would a 42k mile car have the seats recovered? I could be driving it now if it were not for the fender. I bought a pair of 62 Texas plates from a fella in San Antonio yesterday. I am going to hold off registering it until I get a fender. I had a fella in S. Dakota return my call saying he had a real nice one for $150. Best price so far, but would still have to pay shipping. The car has 13" wheels. I bought a full set of four new tires at NTB for $100 (!). I need some hubcaps of some sort... I was planning on fixing this car to turn, but it is kind of growing on me. As for value, NADA says the following for the S-22: low retail $6,125 average retail $11,200 high retail $17,300 as opposed to the regular Comet $2,675 $4,725 $7,400. So... who knows... I have come across a few S-22's in similar shape for sale for around $6-$8k...Jay Leno has an S-22 in his collection! (Is that a good thing or bad thing?) I am looking for a fender, grille and possibly some bumpers. I have already pulled the old bent parts since these pics and located several specialty yards in New Mexico and Arizona who want around $500 shipped for the grille and fender. Does anybody have any suggestions on surcing these parts in Texas?
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