1968 Mustang Coupe To Fastback Project

Using a tape measure and plumb bobs Ramon checks the location of the cradle and adjusts it as needed to get the cradle sitting square in the frame. Measuring cross points is the best way to ensure that any chassis work you do is square.

Once Ramon is satisfied that the Heidt's Superide II cradle is where it needs to be he once again places a few weld tacks to secure the cradle to the framerails. After the tacks have cooled Ramon double checks the original measurements to verify that the cradle has not shifted and then proceeds to fully weld the cradle into place.

We didn't order the Dynacorn full front framerail assemblies because we knew we'd be cutting them up, which is a waste, so we ordered front framerails and inner fender aprons separately. Here, Jesse and Ramon have loosely bolted the Heidt's inner fender panels to the Dynacorn replacement fender aprons so that they can be temporarily fit and checked for proper mounting. Once satisfied, they once again fit the panels with tapping screws to hold them in place until fully welded.

Usually, when installing a Mustang II-type front end, the top of the fender apron behind the shock tower stays in place while the shock tower is cut away. In our case, we started without any shock tower at all, requiring Ramon to butt weld in custom trimmed apron patches, which you can see being welded in here.

Sometimes welding new panels in is a two person job. While one plug welds a panel, the other holds the panel in place, maintaining alignment until the plug welds are complete. The core support, which was only clamped in place earlier, is now completely welded to the inner aprons and front framerails now as well, enclosing our engine compartment.

While welded up earlier in the fastback conversion, Jesse now goes over the coupe quarter window opening patch with high-strength reinforced filler. Once the filler has cured it will be sanded down and fully body worked before the shell is epoxy primed.

The last step that all Drake Customs body shells receive is a full and generous coating of epoxy primer. The complete undercarriage, framerails, and more are carefully sprayed on a lift for the best coverage and then the shell is rolled into the in-house paint booth for complete coverage of the main body shell and interior. This offers great protection for the new metal and is a great base to start your paint and body work from, which we will soon be starting, so keep reading right here as we continue our fastback project back here in Florida.