Ford is helping Mustang enthusiasts breathe life into some long dead classic cars. The automaker will begin selling unpainted body shells that can be turned into a 1964 1/2, 1965 or a 1966 Mustang convertible.
According to The Detroit News, the rebuild of an unpainted body will depend on the restoration parts and powertrain that the customer chooses to install.
This is actually different from a classic restoration because the metal is new and it welds solid.
As such, the shells will serve as a strong base for gearheads that want to build an old school Mustang from the glory days of yore.
As of now, the body for the original Mustang convertible is in production and it’s sold as a Ford-licensed restoration part by Dynacorn International.
Ford will be showcasing one of the new 1965 Mustang body shells at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association show in Las Vegas Nov. 1-3. They will place it next to a restored 1965 convertible for comparison.
“The 1964-66 Mustang is the most restored vintage vehicle. But the number of original 1964-66 vintage bodies is shrinking every year. Most of the original Mustangs left in scrap yards are rusted or wrecked beyond repair,” said Dennis Mondrach, Ford Restoration Parts licensing manager.
“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.”
For $15,000 a ’65 style Mustang body shell can be had. It comes with the doors, trunk lid, and all of the sheet metal from the radiator to the taillight panel. The hood and front fenders will have to be purchased separately.
Once a shell is purchased, the owner can then choose to buy an all new powertrain, suspension, brakes system, electrical system, interior and trim. Of course, he or she can also use original parts from another car.
Any old parts that cannot be reused from an original Mustang can be substituted with Ford-approved restoration parts. The restoration parts are guaranteed to be as true to the original technical drawings, blueprints and specs as possible.
Almost all of the parts needed to construct a new 1964-66 Mustang convertible are available right now from Ford-approved classic parts suppliers, except minor body hardware, Mondrach says.
You can get them at fordrestorationparts.com.
