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Author
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Topic: 1964 Mercury HiPo 289 engine VIN code???
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DidgeyTrucker
Gearhead Posts: 496
From: Nashville, TN USA
Registered: Oct 99
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posted 02-04-2000 07:49 PM
   
Think and research before you type, gang. Is it "K" or "D"? I have located a 1964 "K" code Comet Caliente and it does not (and I believe never did) have the HiPo 289 twixt the towers.------------------
Don't focus on the destination....make the JOURNEY the adventure
visit my website: http://members.xoom.com/didgeytruck
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 8826
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-04-2000 09:06 PM
No such car DT. 289 HP was not available from Mercury untill 1965! The car is indeed a "K" code, but in Mercury parlance, that stood for 289-210 HP Challenger V-8. It is the same engine as a 64.5 Mustang "D" code 289-210 HP except that the Mercury recieved the larger 1.12 600 CFM Autolite carb, as opposed to the Mustangs 1.08 480 CFM Autolite carb. Why Mercury coded the engine a "K" code is a long yet interesting story. If more than 1 or 2 people are interested I'll tell it and explain.  Alex ------------------
Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator
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TomP
Moderator Posts: 2690
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 02-04-2000 09:13 PM
Alex????go on,i'm listening...errr reading !
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kwazykat
Moderator Posts: 3666
From: orange county, nc , M&M member #92
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 02-04-2000 09:45 PM
come on alex!we are all ready for a good story! kaylin
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 16287
From: Saco, Maine MCA # 47773
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-05-2000 11:45 AM
Yes, educate us, please!  ------------------
SteveLaRiviere/Administrator Mustangsandmore.com Cherishing the Past,
While Racing into the Future!
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 11832
From: Southeast Virginia,USA 1968 Fastback & 1995 Vert MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-05-2000 07:36 PM
Didn't he do this to us before.. Alex!!! We want to hear sam
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 8826
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-06-2000 02:06 PM
OK, here it goes. By late 1962 Mercury division was hot and heavy into motorsports. The new fastback Marauders were coming and the rebodied Comet was ready. Fran Hernandez was appointed director or performance and given carte blanche. The reason for this was that L/M division was to have virtually no advertising budget for 1963-65. It was all to be funneled to Ford division. A lot was at stake with the release of the Mustang and it's success, so FoMoCo wanted no mistakes (read that as Edsels). Mercury began entering every type racing that they could compete in. NASCAR, USAC, European road ralleys, and of course NHRA/AHRA drag racing. They gave away parts and cars like candy. They had even fielded a team of cars for the Mobil economy run and won convincingly. This is where all of there advertising was to come from. The motoring press, all FREE! Their racing accomplishments got them tons of headlines and articles, hence free advertising. For 1964, the muscle car era had begun, and the days of the big car big engine were numbered. Mercury already laid claim to the name Cyclone as early as 1962. Their S-22 Comets were to be called Cyclones, but Ford division nixed the plan. So for 1964 everything was all approved, the car was done and very slick looking, all that needed to be laid in place were the drive train options. Mercury of course assumed that they would be privy to the 289-271` "K" code HP engine, and was preparing to mate it to a 4-speed with some really attractive rear axel ratios. They had the bucket seats, the console, the tach, the trim, the simulated chrome reversed wheel hub caps, they were ready to take Woodward ave. by a storm with this pocket rocket that had 4.11 gears as standard, and 4.30's as optional. That's correct, 4.30 gears as optional. All of the sudden a guy by the name of Lee something or other, got wind of this new hot Mercury for 1964. One of his stooges had dropped the dime! What's this????? OUR 289 HP in a Mercury? Not on your life! Because of the early 1964 introduction of the all new 1965 Mustang, and it only having 3 V-8 options, the top of the line being the 289-271, Ford division put the kebosh on the engine for Mercury division. Well, by that time, they had already started tooling and printed brochures. For still emphatically still said NO! They wanted absolutly nothing to steal any thunder from the Mustangs introduction. Especially from a sister division. Plans were already at hand to begin building A/FX 427 powered Cylones for certain racers, and B/FX 289 powered cars were already on the drawing boards too! When the Mercury engineers complained to Fran Hernandez, he told them to go ahead and "improvise"! Ford said that they could have the "D" code 289-210 HP 4V engine. So some of the engineers looked around the parts bins, and saw that the 1.12 600 CFM Autolites from 352 4V V-8 were quite plentiful, and would considerably enhance the performance of the "D" code engine. When no one was looking, the went ahead and put the deal together. With the larger carb the performance of the Cyclone would be equal to that of the lighter, less carburated Mustang. To add to the coo, the designated the engine with a "K" code. Since the carb was different, it was in essence a diffeent engine. And since Mercury had always had many of it's own engines that differed from Ford divisions, nobody noticed! When the car was introduced it was a smash in sales, both in the Caliente and Cyclone versions. Many sales were stolen from Fairlane because you could get a "K" code Mercury with an automatic C-4 transmission, and of course you coud not in the Fairlane. We know of course that it was not the same solid lifter engine, but they did not advertise as such. It was very confusing to the buying public, but the ploy worked and Mercury sold tons of Comets in 1964. Part due to their winning the Mobil economy run, and part due to their racing efforts. Next time your at a FoMoCo car show check out the 64 Cyclones, you'll almost find at least one or two. When is the lst time you saw a 64 Fairlane "K" code 289 HP ? Mercury fooled the public, and was able to sell more Comets than Ford could sell Fairlanes. Of course we all know where Fords efforts were consentrated for 1964, but that's another story. This is all fact, and although I left out some of the political details, it's pretty much the way it went down. I hope you all found it informative, abiet a little long. Alex------------------
Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 11832
From: Southeast Virginia,USA 1968 Fastback & 1995 Vert MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-06-2000 03:50 PM
Good read Alex..thanks!
sam
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TomP
Moderator Posts: 2690
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 02-06-2000 04:10 PM
Thanks Alex...i found it very informative. Now i wanna go back to my Iacocca post at Sams Place and revise it.....that guy is a bigger weenie than i thought ! 
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 16287
From: Saco, Maine MCA # 47773
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-06-2000 06:37 PM
Nice job, Alex!Thanks! ------------------
SteveLaRiviere/Administrator Mustangsandmore.com Cherishing the Past,
While Racing into the Future!
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DidgeyTrucker
Gearhead Posts: 496
From: Nashville, TN USA
Registered: Oct 99
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posted 02-06-2000 07:20 PM
Thanks, Alex. Whew!! What a story! Over the years I have seen '64 "K" Comets advertised and I wondered what the deal was. I found this Comet for sale a few years ago and wasn't sure about the "K" code. Now I know. I saw the car last summer in the same backyard (never sold), hmmmmm......
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 8826
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-17-2000 10:23 AM
Wait untill you guys and gals hear about the 65 Cyclone that I just discovered in New Jersey.  Alex------------------
Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator
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TomP
Moderator Posts: 2690
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 02-17-2000 01:03 PM
all clear for incoming "Joisy Cyclone" story ready......FIRE! ------------------
64 Fairlane T-Boltish car
and another
53 F350 ramptruck
V8 88 Ranger
'bout half of a 67 Mustang FB
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DidgeyTrucker
Gearhead Posts: 496
From: Nashville, TN USA
Registered: Oct 99
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posted 02-17-2000 05:02 PM
I'm all ears.
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 11832
From: Southeast Virginia,USA 1968 Fastback & 1995 Vert MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-17-2000 05:56 PM
Just don't put it on a Barge and send it to Va..we got enough problems with their "stuff" now..LOL..TELL US ALEX!!------------------
sam
1968 Mustang Fastback 289/auto
& puny rear gears www.mustangs68.com
The 1968 Mustang
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 8826
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-19-2000 04:36 PM
OK I'll give you a hint before I tell you the entire story. It's a 65 and it has no 5th character in the VIN. NONE ANYWHERE! Not on the fender area, the door tag, or the title. BK top loader, 3 1/4 inch driveshaft, and a FACTORY 3.89 Detroit Locker.  More later. Alex------------------
Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator
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DidgeyTrucker
Gearhead Posts: 496
From: Nashville, TN USA
Registered: Oct 99
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posted 02-19-2000 06:35 PM
Alex, I'm gonna guess it's one of my favorite non-truck variety of Fords:
A / F X !!! Now the question is: which one? Hayden Proffitt's has been restored. Dyno Don's is in Floyd Garrett's Muscle Car Museum in Seviereville, TN (close to Gatlinburg). What others are still out there?? Could it be Doug Nash's? The A/FX cars ran 427's and the B/FX's ran 289's with webers. I think Doug's was a B/FX.
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I65Stang
Moderator Posts: 3677
From: Antelope, CA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 02-19-2000 07:40 PM
This is the first time I remember that I have read this post, very interesting stuff. Do tell Alex, then buy it and send it to me :>). I am with DT, either an A/FX or B/FX racer. I'm guessing it was never liscensed either :>).------------------
Tim
1965 Mustang coupe, 200 ci w/ a Holley 2300
come.to/65mustang
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 8826
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-20-2000 01:17 AM
Close DT and Tim! Very close. You'll all be surprised. The whole story tomorrow before the race. Alex------------------
Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 11832
From: Southeast Virginia,USA 1968 Fastback & 1995 Vert MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-20-2000 10:06 AM
OK!
I'm here to read it..it's before the race
sam
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 16287
From: Saco, Maine MCA # 47773
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-20-2000 12:45 PM
Now it's during the race... ------------------
SteveLaRiviere/Administrator
'72 Mustang Sprint 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac-Loc
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DidgeyTrucker
Gearhead Posts: 496
From: Nashville, TN USA
Registered: Oct 99
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posted 02-21-2000 07:27 AM
Now it's the morning after the race.[This message has been edited by DidgeyTrucker (edited 02-21-2000).] [This message has been edited by DidgeyTrucker (edited 02-21-2000).]
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 8826
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-21-2000 02:13 PM
Ok, I'll try to post this one more time. I know that I'm late but the party started sooner, and do to the dominant win much more celebrating and chebbie bashing was in order than expected, ended later. Also since my favorite server (AOL) has blown me out four times in a row 1/2 to 2/3rd of the way through the post I'll attempt to do this in steps. Thanks Alex------------------
Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator
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kcode
Gearhead Posts: 1579
From: alvaton,ky,usa Suburb of Bowling Green, M&M #79, MCA #29208
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 02-21-2000 11:04 PM
One last guess, is it one of the special prepped pseudo Hipo used in the 100000 mile endurance runs with electronic ignition?Mike
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fordfan
Gearhead Posts: 2283
From: Walla Walla, Wa, USA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 02-22-2000 01:46 AM
The 100,000 mile endurance Comets Were '64s.Sohc?
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Joseph J Shaffer IV
Walla Walla, WA
'68 Mustang Coupe
'64 Mercury Comet
'64 Ford Falcon
'43 Dodge WC-53
'41 Chevy Pickup
'70 Chevy Pickup
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DidgeyTrucker
Gearhead Posts: 496
From: Nashville, TN USA
Registered: Oct 99
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posted 02-22-2000 01:08 PM
Hey Mike, missed you at the club meeting last Thursday. But the rain WAS heavy, so you're excused.
Tracy
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kcode
Gearhead Posts: 1579
From: alvaton,ky,usa Suburb of Bowling Green, M&M #79, MCA #29208
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 02-22-2000 01:26 PM
Tracy, we had one of those mandatory, you must attend, business meetings. But I did make it to the board meeting on Tuesday, does that count. One trip a week to Nashville is enough. Brother in law, Jim, found a Caliente with a "K" over around Dickson, in very good condition, he got all excited until I told him the difference on the K.
Mike
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 11832
From: Southeast Virginia,USA 1968 Fastback & 1995 Vert MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-22-2000 04:53 PM
Alex..get you a backup ISP...
www.netzero.net It's free...just download and follow instructions.... sam
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 8826
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-24-2000 11:07 AM
OK, I have sucessfully made several posts this morning without interuption from AOL, so I'll try to finish this now. A week ago Monday I fellow by the name of Mark from New Jersey calls me looking for some original 289 HP or Shelby parts. (like I would have any right? lol) We get to talking about his car a 65 Mercury Cyclone black on black (rare color combo) 289 HP 4-speed. He purchased it from the original owner 2 years ago and that person was not that much of a gear head belive it or not. He bought the car because he liked it. He tells me that the serial number has no 5th character anywhere. Not on the body, engine, build sheet, or title. The car has a 289 HP for certain (the original with the vin stamped on it) BK 4-speed toploader trans which is not in any identification guides for a Comet or Mustang, a 3 1/4 inch drive shaft, and a 3.89 factory installed Detroit locker. The build sheet documents all of this, and by the way the car only has 56K miles on it. I do some digging and find out that the BK toploader is listed for a big block big body car 64-65. The vin is stamped on the rear shifter mount extension housing so it is indeed factory intalled. After some deliberation I came to the conclusion from my notes and experiences that this is an original B/FX car as shipped to the dealer with the Webers in the trunk, and the glass hood in a crate (which he has on the car). The car apparently never got converted for some reason or another and was sold as a regular Cyclone. FoMoCo never factory intalled Detroit lockers in anything but race intended vehicles like lightwieght Galaxies and T-bolts (until 1970), and that also explains the HD trans. Mark did not get the Webers as the original owner was not even aware of them or a B/FX car. Bottom line is Mark is happy now, and we will have a new member soon. Sorry for the delay in posting and send all complaints to AOL! Alex------------------
Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator
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I65Stang
Moderator Posts: 3677
From: Antelope, CA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 02-24-2000 01:57 PM
Wow, that is very cool! Well worth the wait :>). Thanks Alex.------------------
Tim
1965 Mustang coupe, 200 ci w/ a Holley 2300
come.to/65mustang
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 11832
From: Southeast Virginia,USA 1968 Fastback & 1995 Vert MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-24-2000 04:53 PM
Alex..did he happen to say appox how much he paid..I know I'll get sick..ths sounds like a winner to me..thanks for sharing!
sam
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 8826
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-25-2000 11:37 AM
You know Sam, we never did get around to talking about what he paid for the car. I'll find out and let you all know. Alex------------------
Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator
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TomP
Moderator Posts: 2690
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 02-25-2000 01:53 PM
Wow what a find !! That sounds exactly what it is. A local wrecking yard had a Cyclone scooped hood...i drove my Ranchero in one day about 10 years ago,with my new repro 427 Fairlane hood on it,they said "we have a Cyclone hood" i am always interested in that sorta stuff so i looked,i had been to that yard dozens of times over the years and never spotted it  but in the hood rack was a 64-65 Fiberglass scooped hood,the two ducts on the underside which lead into the 2 carbs had been cut round for an air cleaner.
I paid the $50 they wanted for it and scooted home  ...there must have been 50 coats of paint,the hood had the edges of the original carb holes in the underside , these mated up to the Hi Riser carb spacing only. bit of a note here,of all the Ford dual-quad setups only the Hi-Riser has secondary metering blocks and the carbs are spaced further apart,the front carb is high enough to fit over top of the distributor.
So now i was curious,i called Rick Kirk, a Comet FX expert,and desribed it,it was for sure a factory one....it had been at the wrecker since the late 70's...so back to the wrecker for clues... they used to have the Comet..it had a straight axle and a 351 C in it when they got it,but it was long gone.
This made me very curious only lately as i came to realize the 65 Comet with the straight axle that i always saw going out to my Aunts house in the 70's was likey that one. the story of the 16 year old me going to the house and asking about the car is for later (it was Hells Angels clubhouse)
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64Cyclone
Journeyman Posts: 1
From: Ventura, ca
Registered: Sep 2001
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posted 09-18-2001 07:42 PM
Hi,Was searching the web and saw this post on the forum and thought I would set the record straight. The 271 HP (HIPO) 289 was most definately available for the 64 comets. A good URL that will prove this little know fact is www.jumpthegun.com/cyclone. There is a link on how to tell a Hipo car from on that is not. There is even a picture of a genuine Hipo 64 Caliente for any non believers. I did enjoy alex's article though! Brooke
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AKBOSSMAN
Gearhead Posts: 1119
From: WASILLA , AK USA M&M #743 MCA #40857
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 09-19-2001 07:27 PM
I saw a very nice S-22 Badged 64 or 65? comet last week
More info?------------------
WAYNE CURTIS
70 GRABBER GREEN BOSS 302
01 Focus ZX3
03 Boss 281 (waiting on order form)
92 SHELBY 4X4 (K-9 IDITAROD LEAD DOG)
www.iditarodtrail.com
"If your under control then your not going fast enough" Parnelli Jones
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