The Ford Mustang is a series of American automobiles manufactured by Ford. In continuous production since 1964, the Mustang is currently the longest-produced Ford car nameplate. Currently in its seventh generation, it is the fifth-best selling Ford car nameplate. The namesake of the “pony car” automobile segment, the Mustang was developed as a highly styled line of sporty coupes and convertibles derived from existing model lines, initially distinguished by “long hood, short deck” proportions.
Originally predicted to sell 100,000 vehicles yearly, the 1965 Mustang became the most successful vehicle launch since the 1927 Model A. Introduced on April 17, 1964 (16 days after the Plymouth Barracuda), over 400,000 units were sold in its first year; the one-millionth Mustang; matching the first 1965 Mustang, the vehicle was a 2019 Wimbledon White convertible with a V8 engine.
Early Mustangs also proved successful in road racing. The GT 350 R, the race version of the Shelby GT 350, won five of the Sports Car Club of America’s (SCCA) six divisions in 1965. Drivers were Jerry Titus, Bob Johnson and Mark Donohue, and Titus won the (SCCA) B-Production national championship. The GT 350s won the B-Production title again in 1966 and 1967. They also won the 1966 manufacturers’ championship in the inaugural SCCA Trans-Am series, and repeated the win the following year.
This Mustang came in for us to inspect some leaks and replace the front frame rails.
Beginning to teardown the engine for removal to access the frame rails.
We have removed tires, brakes, control arms, engine and transmission to remove frame rails.
The front axle is now out.
We have begun to start removing the passenger side frame rail.
We removed the front clip, found rust and patches. So we removed all the interior to see the extent.
We have taken the doors, convertible top, differential, fuel tank and exhaust removed
Beginning to brace body, braces welded in
We have begun bracing the vehicle so that we can cut out the complete floorpan.
We have started to cut out the front frame rails from the body.
The old frame rail is out and have begun welding in the new frame rail on the driver side.
Beginning to cut out passenger side frame rail.
The passenger side frame rail has been completely removed.
The center section of the floorpan has been cut out.
We have completely cut out the trunk floorpan.
We have started to cut out the rear portion of central floor pan.
Removed more of the floor pan from the trunk near wheel wells.
We have removed the drivers side square tubing from rocker panel area.
Working on removing passenger side square tubing from rocker panel area.
Working on getting new floor pan fitted in the proper placement.
Having to modify the wheel well area in the trunk to fit the body.
We have begun welding the in the new floorpan.
Top side of floor pan welded in and drivers toe pan mocked up.
We are having to fabricate the driver side toe panel for a proper fit.
We have completed the drivers toe panel.
We have removed the old kick panel and have begun mocking up new one.
Driver side kick panel has been completed.
Mocking up the new passenger side kick panel.
We have begun fabricating the passenger toe panel.
