1968 Mustang Fastback Build Part 2 - Mo' Mustang Metal

Using shop jackstands, shim stock, and the replacement Dynacorn core support panel, Jesse and Ramon test fit the two new front framerails, ensuring they are level with the chassis and are properly spaced.

With the core support clamped into place and a section of square steel tubing tacked into place between the framerails to maintain alignment, Ramon begins filling the plug-weld holes on the sides of the rails. Later, the rails will be fully stitch welded to the floor supports and to the yet-to-be-installed torque boxes.

More square tubing stock is used to temporarily support the framerails so that the jackstands can be removed and the body shell moved. These will stay in place until the inner fender aprons are welded in, connecting the firewall and cowl to the framerails and core support.

When Drake ships a converted body shell, it comes with new door shells and new door hinges. Our door shells we're in decent shape--surprising when you look at the rest of the car--but they did need skins. Before installing the door hinges, the door hinge plates were mediablasted and their mounting holes chased with a thread tap.

Ramon and Jesse carefully place the Dynacorn fastback roof skin into place and check for proper fitment. Every car is different and some minor trimming may be required.

Ray, Jesse, and Ramon fit the fastback-specific quarter-panels, and taillight panel to the rear of the body. Careful attention to detail is extremely important at this point. Just a sixteenth of an inch off in one spot could play hell with fitment elsewhere, like the trunk lid or the door seams.

As we showed last month, Ray uses self tapping screws to hold things together during the fitment and alignment phase. Note also the panels have already been drilled for plug-welding.

Many of these panels used in our project are from Dynacorn's Restorer's Choice line of replacement panels--made from modern automotive steel and state-of-the art tooling.

Due to our time constraints Drake Customs offered to have a good set of used doors with fresh doorskins preinstalled before we flew out to its shop for our week-long photo-fest. While the doors still need finish work on their skins, Jesse and Ramon install the door shells now so they have them in place for the quarter-panel fitment.

Bright and early the next morning we gathered once again at Drake Customs' shop to continue our work. The rear transition is installed first thing (while Ray supervises). This part not only supports the rear structure of the car, but the rear rim panels and trap door attach to it, so alignment must be spot on or you'll have trouble with everything from glass fitment to interior panel gaps.

Once all the exterior panels have been fit, aligned, and prepared for welding, the guys from Drake go over the body shell...

...plug-welding all of the new fastback panels...