One of the biggest pieces of news to hit the Mustang world has been the introduction of the '67 Mustang Replacement Body Shell from Dynacorn Classic Bodies of Oxnard, California. Over the last year, we've kept close tabs on one of the very first projects using the Dynacorn body shell. Dynacorn chose Autoworks International of El Cajon, California, to accomplish the job.
We've looked in at Autoworks many times over the course of the project, while staying out of the way of SPEED TV's cameras (the build was featured on the series Chop-Cut-Rebuild). The completed project was intended to be a show-car quality job and was built specifically for Dynacorn to display in its booth at the '07 SEMA show in Las Vegas. We saw it there and got yelled at for leaving drool on the fenders. We can now wrap up the project in the magazine.
While not as radical as some other Autoworks undertakings-such as the twin-supercharged "Obsidian" Mustang-this project is no slouch, and it has many interesting high-performance features incorporated into it. A Ford Racing Performance Parts crate engine, a RetroTek Boss EFI, and an Astro Performance T-5 overdrive transmission are some of the major components of the recipe.
Now, as things really come together, we can begin to appreciate how much attention to detail has gone into the project. We also admire the tremendous volume and variety of small parts required to complete the vehicle.
Our past features on the Dynacorn Replacement Body Shell project included comparisons to an original Mustang fastback body, bodywork and epoxy primer application, a show-quality paint job, suspension installation, and powertrain assembly. Join us as we conclude our coverage of the Autoworks/Dynacorn build with a look at just a few of the more interesting aspects of the car's final assembly. We're confident that you'll agree the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Autoworks owner Matt Couper...
Autoworks owner Matt Couper (left) and one of his technicians survey the enormous quantity of parts required for the final assembly of the Dynacorn project. The spread extends beyond the photo all the way to the edge of the shop.
Pony Enterprises was sourced...
Pony Enterprises was sourced for a complete set of fasteners for the project assembly. Everything from interior screws to body bolts is included in the approximately 100 packages shown here. The hardware is carefully labeled, ensuring the correct fastener will be used at every juncture.
This huge wooden crate contains...
This huge wooden crate contains a complete glass set for the Mustang body. Originating overseas and supplied by California Mustang, the glass has a modern, smokey tint, both front and rear. The side windows are untinted.
Doug Thorley fabricated this...
Doug Thorley fabricated this complete exhaust system for the Dynacorn project. It features bolt-on convenience, a built-in x-style crossover, and is made of 2-1/2-inch-diameter material-plenty for the 302ci V-8 engine. This system is designed to bolt directly onto a car with factory exhaust manifolds.
These terrific-looking wheels...
These terrific-looking wheels are from CoupeR Design, which is an exclusive Autoworks International brand. The BFGoodrich g-Force T/A tires are P255/40ZR18 out back and P225/40ZR17 in front.
Another Autoworks specialty...
Another Autoworks specialty is this fiberglass instrument panel. The dash is molded as one piece, and the openings for the instruments were cut out before the unit was painted to match the exte-rior of the car. A complete selection of Stewart Warner gauges fill the dash.
These custom-made buckets...
These custom-made buckets are also from CoupeR Design. A huge improvement over the OE-type seats, they offer great lumbar support. The contoured high sides will keep the occupant comfortable and in place during the hardest of turns.
The headrests are a nice plus...
The headrests are a nice plus and help prevent whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision. The fold-down rear seat was trimmed to match.
The guys from Classic Auto...
The guys from Classic Auto Air have been at work test fitting the A/C unit. Once the evaporator fits to their satisfaction, they'll turn their attention to routing the lines.