Re: 62 Comet V8 conversion
Also, the steering linkage is different between the 6 cyl and the V8.
I'm not sure about the Comets, but the early Mustangs had an extra brace behind the lower control arms to tie the left and right frame rails together.
Something to check carefully is the front spring towers where the upper control arms attach. Open the hood and inspect the spot welded sheet metal, around the spring towers, where the upper control arms attach. If there are any gaps or cracks between the sheet metals, that are spot welded together, they need to be pulled back into place, and weld a bead around all the pieces. Also, check for cracks inside the wheel well where the upper control arms attach.
Since the caster/camer adjustment is made at the upper control arm, it is very important the tower be pulled back into place before welding. A good frame shop can do the repairs if needed.
This metal fatigue problem is very common on the early V8 Mustangs and some early 6 cyl Mustangs. The Comet is built the same way. Personally I've had to make repairs on close to a hundred Mustangs. There were a few cars where the spring towers had collapsed so badly that the towers were pressing on the engine block.
Since you are adding extra weight with the V8, and even if there is no problem at this time, I would suggest wire welding around all the spring towers, spot welded sheet metal. This will increase the strength of the spring towers significantly. If there is no seperation, a good time to do this is when the engine is removed. Alot easier to weld with the engine out of the way. The fumes from welding these panels it very bad so if you do the welding protect yourself from these fumes.
Good luck. Keep use posted on your project. Post some pictures please. Would like to see your car.
Lee
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