Now it is possible to build a ’64½, ’65, or ’66 Mustang convertible from the wheels up using an all-new Ford-approved and officially licensed body shell from Dynacorn.
The body shell for the original Mustang convertible, now in production and available for restorers as a Ford-licensed restoration part, gives classic car enthusiasts a new option in putting their dream Mustang ragtop back on the road.
“The 1964-66 Mustang is the most restored vintage vehicle,” said Dennis Mondrach, Ford Restoration Parts licensing manager. “But the number of original 1964-66 vintage bodies is shrinking every year. Most of the original Mustangs left in scrapyards are rusted or wrecked beyond repair.
"The new body shell is made of virgin metal and uses modern welding techniques. It comes rustproofed, and after final adjustment and finish preparation of the body panels, it is ready for painting and final assembly.”
To build a restored Mustang using the new shell, the powertrain, suspension and brakes, electrical systems, and interior and trim can either be bought new or transferred from an existing car to the new body. Original parts that can’t be reused from an old Mustang can be replaced with Ford-approved restoration parts. Mondrach says that nearly all the parts needed to build a complete new 1964-66 Mustang convertible, except for some minor body hardware, are now available from Ford-approved classic parts suppliers.
The new body shell can not only save restorers time and money, but enables them to build a strong, well-engineered classic. “Instead of spending money fixing rust and welding in new panels, restorers can now simply transfer their powertrain, interior and trim parts onto the new body shell,” said Mondrach.
The ’65 Mustang body shell is constructed of higher-grade steel than the original, said Jim Christina, vice president of Dynacorn International, the Ford-approved company that is manufacturing the ’65 Mustang convertible. “We use a modern universal automotive-grade steel that is actually stronger than the original, and modern welding techniques along with more welds to strengthen the body.”
The ’65 body is in production now and can be delivered by freight truck to any address. The body includes the doors and trunk lid and all the sheetmetal from the radiator support to the taillight panel except the hood and front fenders. Those items are available separately. The ’65 Mustang body shell starts at $15,000.
The new body shell can be made into a ’64½, ’65. or ’66 Mustang, based on the trim parts added to it. It is the third classic Mustang body shell now available to restorers. The other two are the‘’67-’68 and the ’69-’70 fastback bodies.
Ford will display the new ’65 Mustang body shell at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas on November 1-3. It will be parked next to a restored ’65 convertible to demonstrate the quality of the assembly.
Ford-approved Mustang restoration parts can be found at www.fordrestorationparts.com.