1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Convertible Restoration

1964 MERCURY COMET Caliente 

COMPLETE "RUSTORATION"

Time to peel off some layers and see what lies beneath!

Above: First layer

Below: here you can aluminum tape over rust...

Paint delaminating from rust underneath:

Old-school non-catalyzed "red-oxide: primer:

Removing the seat and carpet reveals typical drivers floor rust (moisture accumulation spot)

But otherwise solid!

Bottom of doors looked decent (I mean, I've seen worse) - 

Let's see what the trunk reveals

Just need to clear out all the junk!

Rusty but reasonably intact (OK, Im being charitable)

Behind the front wheels often rusts

 - and here's a typical rust hole

Cutting out a section reveals more damage in behind - 

And more...

Let's check these rockers - 

Yikes

Carefully cutting out just what's needed 

Subframe bumper mounts are GONE! 

So, not a great start but NOT the worst! Remember the Camaro that looked so good?

 I replaced the roof and both quarters, doors and some inners on that one!

OK, at least The engine is free (turns) and is totally intact. 

"Ran wen parked"

So follow along, as we bring this one back to its former glory and allow the current owner to enjoy it for another 20 years!