|
|
Dynacorn Mustang Build Wrapup - Dynamic DynacornAutoworks Wraps Up The Dynacorn Mustang Project From the August, 2008 issue of Modified Mustangs & Fords By Wayne Cook Photography by Wayne Cook
|
|
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. | Dynacorn Prices | | Previously: | | Dynacorn Body | $15,500.00 | | Crate Charge | $495.00 | | House of Kolor Prep Materials | $1,400.00 | | House of Kolor Paint Materials | $4,000.00 | | Paint and Body Labor | $20,000.00 | | RRS Suspension: | | Front: w/Cobra caliper | $4,495.00 | | Rear: | $3,495.00 | | San Diego Gear and Axle Rear Axle | $2,100.00 | | Labor Suspension and Axle Install | $1,200.00 | | Ford GT40 Crate Engine from Summit | $4,059.95 | | Ford 5.0 Bellhousing | $189.95 | | Southland Valeo Clutch | $185.00 | | Retro Tek EFI | $2,695.00 | | Edelbrock Intake | $238.00 | | Thorley Ceramic-coated Headers | $520.39 | | March Pulleys | $639.95 | | Powermaster Alternator | $274.95 | | Astro Performance Super T-5 | *$2,095.00 | | * Price includes $200.00 core fee | | | Labor powertrain assembly and installation | $620.00 | | Total: | $64,203.19 |
| Final Assembly Cost: | | Wheels /18X8 379.95 R18X10 | $1,596.00 | | Tires BFGoodrich KDW g-Force T/A Tires: | | 2X $146.00 + 2X 173.00 = | **$638.00 | | ** Plus mounting and balancing | | | A/C Complete System | $1,199.00 | | A/C Installation | $1,068.00 | | Seats | $1,400.00 | | Instrument Panel | $700.00 | | SW Tach | $189.00 | | SW Oil | $79.00 | | SW Water | $69.00 | | SW Fuel | $59.00 | | SW Amps | $59.00 | | Glass Front | $169.00 | | Rear | $579.00 | | Door ($295.00 per door) | $590.00 | | Glass Installation | $500.00 | | Doug Thorley Headers | $549.95 | | Custom Exhaust-contact Doug Thorley for pricing | | Core Support | $400.00 | | 20-gallon Dynacorn Fuel Tank | $119.95 | | Total | $9,963.90 | | | Total Previous Accounting | $64,203.19 | | | Grand Total | $74,167.09 |
 This photo gives an idea of...  This photo gives an idea of what the A/C guys are up against when routing the lines on a show car. Nothing can show underhood-even the receiver drier is concealed behind the fender.  After confirming the mounting...  After confirming the mounting of the A/C unit, it is removed so that sound-deadening material can be added. Besides protecting the cabin from road noise, the material provides a thermal barrier to keep engine heat out of the interior. It also makes the stereo sound better. Notice the one-piece, convertible-style seat pan.  The car has been given a custom-made...  The car has been given a custom-made radiator-core support for extra strength. Although it's made of aluminum, the extra thickness makes it far stronger than the stock stamped part. This photo shows the sanitary A/C connections made at the condenser.  The tinted windshield has...  The tinted windshield has a new rubber seal, and here the glass is lowered carefully into position. A bead of adhesive was applied around the windshield frame opening.  Once the paintwork is completed,...  Once the paintwork is completed, much of the remaining exterior work involves the installation of the glass and the trim moldings that go with it. The technician gets straight to work installing new windshield retaining clips. This fellow has nerves of steel, as he knows that any scratch of the paint at this stage of the game would be a serious problem. He takes the precaution of surrounding the area he is working on with masking tape.  Installation of the windshield...  Installation of the windshield trim molding is one of the trickiest parts of the glass installation. Even with the protective masking tape, it's a nerve-wracking job. Conclusion
When labor amounts are clear-cut, we have provided the figures. In many cases, however, the amount of labor required is not clear-cut. Each segment of the project presents unique and sometimes unforeseen challenges. With an elaborate project such as this, there are countless details, each requiring exacting care. Hence, to have a car professionally prepared in the manner described would cost far more than the $74,167.09 at which we arrived.  The fastback rear window is...  The fastback rear window is the most expensive glass component for the project. It wasn't too long ago that these backlights were almost impossible to find and unbelievably expensive. The glass kit comes from overseas, and the shipping costs for that huge wooden crate can be considerable. Note also the replacement piece doesn't have the raised centerline as the original factory glass had.  Door-glass prep begins with...  Door-glass prep begins with the installation of the stainless edge molding. It's carefully seated to the glass with a bead of thin rubber around the edge.  The same procedure is used...  The same procedure is used on the window vent frames. First the rubber bedding is shaped into a "U" and laid into the channel. Next, the glass is gently seated, and the excess rubber is trimmed away with a razor. You must be careful when seating both the window and vent glass because any hard contact with on the edge could cause it to shatter. Here, the technician has a rubber mallet on hand to persuade things to go together.  Installation of the vent wings...  Installation of the vent wings is another procedure that requires the utmost care. Even with tape over the paint, it's still possible to slip and cause damage. Once the A-pillar and door weatherstrip is in place, some adjustment of the vent assembly installation is necessary.  Ready for final assembly,...  Ready for final assembly, the front fenders are brought in from the paint shop, where the final lettering has been accomplished. In this photo, it's easy to see that the paint finish has been cut and buffed to a show-ready shine. For those just tuning in to this series, the paint materials for this project cost more than $4,000.  The trunk lid awaits installation...  The trunk lid awaits installation after being custom finished with the Phantom project name. The block lettering appears to jump out at you, but the characters are actually painted on, which is exactly as intended.  At last, the project finally...  At last, the project finally sees the light of day. She's a beauty in every way and only mildly customized. The '67 Shelby-style hood looks good, as do the body-colored bumpers. The lowered stance and short sidewalls give this car a real down-on-the-ground appeal. Autoworks did an awesome job, and we know that the folks at Dynacorn couldn't be happier.  It's hard to beat the factory...  It's hard to beat the factory fuel-tank arrangement for cost and a sanitary-looking installation. The replica nature of the project called for an original-style tank as opposed to a fuel cell or aftermarket tank. Autoworks opted for a later-vintage, Mustang-style tank with a larger 20-gallon capacity for extended driving range.  Although careful design went...  Although careful design went into the project, a thorough wheel-fitment check takes place at each corner before anything rolls. On the rear axle, we find that all the careful measuring paid off, and that the wheel and tire assemblies fill out the fenderwells perfectly.
|
|
|