Thanks to the automotive aftermarket, there are now enough reproduction parts available to build a classic Mustang from scratch. As you saw in last month’s Pony Tales department, Ford has officially added another Dynacorn International vintage body shell to its list of approved and licensed reproduction bodies—the ’65-’66 Mustang convertible.
Dynacorn's all-new and Ford-licensed...
Dynacorn's all-new and Ford-licensed '65-'66 Mustang convertible body shell is made from pure 1006 heavy-gauge steel.
This cut-away shows something...
This cut-away shows something inside the Dynacorn doors that your classic Mustang convertible doesn't have—side-impact protection, a Dynacorn exclusive.
Check out the new steel stamping...
Check out the new steel stamping with crisp lines. You'll need to adjust door, fender, hood, and deck lid gaps, which means you're going to have to do a mock-up before prep and paint begins.
A manufacturer of reproduction parts for classic Mustangs and other popular vintage cars and trucks, Dynacorn stamps more sheet metal components than anyone in the industry. So much, in fact, that its Dynacorn Classic Bodies division produces complete reproduction vintage bodies for Mustang (’67-’68 fastbacks and ’69-’70 SportsRoofs) and other vehicles, including Camaro, Firebird, Chevelle, GTO, Challenger, and both Chevy and Ford classic trucks.
Of course, within the Mustang hobby there are mixed feelings about these reproduction Mustang bodies, especially with purists because these bodies weren’t bucked and assembled in a Ford plant. But that’s okay, because Dynacorn reproduction Mustang bodies aren’t for everyone.
Structurally, Dynacorn improves...
Structurally, Dynacorn improves on the original Mustang body with heavier gauge steel. Shock towers don't crack because they're made from thicker steel.
They're also welded in more...
They're also welded in more places to improve stiffness.
Because Dynacorn bodies are...
Because Dynacorn bodies are E-coated, you can avoid most of the Mustang's traditional rust issues. Bodies are dipped in electrostatic primer, which gets into places you cannot see.
If ever you've fought with...
If ever you've fought with damaged or missing hood hinge nut plates, you will love Dynacorn's approach. These swaged-in nutserts aren't going anywhere.
Door hinges are cast-iron...
Door hinges are cast-iron like original equipment. With an AMK body fastener kit, you can swap out these Dynacorn shipping bolts with factory-style fasteners for authenticity.
Because Dynacorn bodies are...
Because Dynacorn bodies are made from modern, heavier gauge 1006 steel, the new convertible will deliver a more solid ride than originals.
However, if you want to build a new Mustang convertible from scratch, or repair a rusted or wrecked original car, this could be the journey for you because it eliminates tedious, labor-intensive rust repair and panel replacement.
Dynacorn bodies have their own vehicle identification numbers, not a Ford VIN, so registration can be tricky in some states, depending on motor vehicle laws. There can be a lengthy waiting period before you can get a Dynacorn body registered depending upon where you live. Check your local motor vehicle laws. In some states, it’s similar to building a kit car or street rod. Once you know what’s involved, the rest is straightforward.
Because Dynacorn bodies are...
Because Dynacorn bodies are made from modern, heavier gauge 1006 steel, the new convertible will deliver a more solid ride than originals.
Dynacorn's Larry Brogdin told...
Dynacorn's Larry Brogdin told us that the cowl vent, also known as the
Dynacorn bodies have twice...
Dynacorn bodies have twice as many spot welds throughout for strength. Where bodies can't be spot welded, they're rosette and stick welded.
In the 1960s, the radiator...
In the 1960s, the radiator supports were stamped from thinner gauge steel. Today, Dynacorn stamps them from heavy-gauge 1006 steel for superior strength. Lean on this radiator support and it doesn't move.
Building complete bodies ready for final prep, paint, and assembly takes due diligence and great attention to detail. Larry Brogdin, Dynacorn sales manager and something of a product development engineer, tells us that producing these reproduction bodies has always been about refinement. They keep getting better.
Larry also tells us that materials have gotten better with time and technology. In the 1960s, steel for classic Mustangs suffered from impurities not found in modern 1006 steel. Dissimilar metals welded together at the factory in the 1960s caused many of the rust issues that we’re all too familiar with today. Crash impact resistance wasn’t what it is today either. Another talking point is Dynacorn’s heavier gauge (thicker) steel for the new bodies. To sweeten the deal, the bodies are also E-coated (electrostatic primer dipped) for corrosion prevention. With the new Dynacorn bodies and components, you’re getting thicker, stronger steel with vastly improved corrosion resistance.
Ready for body prep and paint, Dynacorn’s ’65-’66 bodies (part number MS65CV) are priced around $15,000 suggested retail. They are available from many Mustang parts vendors.
The November 2011 introduction of the ’65-’66 convertible body shell has actually overshadowed the earlier release of Dynacorn’s ’67 Mustang convertible body shell (part number MS67CV). Because Dynacorn understands second generation Mustang structural shortcomings, they designed in big-block shock tower reinforcements from the start, which makes these bodies ready for just about anything you can throw at them.
Dynacorn's '67 convertible...
Dynacorn's '67 convertible body shell has the same refinements as the '65-'66 model--1006 steel stamped from new tooling...
...along with reinforced shock...
...along with reinforced shock towers stamped from thicker steel.