It’s a question I’ve come across a few times while on this project of mine. Can you convert a Coupe into a Fastback? One though would be “Why?” Well with Fastback prices forever going through the roof and the abundance of Coupes it wouldn’t take a genius think of the idea. So let’s explore it a a bit shall we.
The short answer of course is yes, it can be done. You can convert a 1967 or 1968 Coupe into a Fastback but there are a few things you need to consider.
Price
Not having done myself I can’t say exactly how much it costs, but the chances are your not a metal work expert and you will need to have it done by some professionals. So when factoring in the cost of man hours, the work involved, tidying up and the finishing off to make it look like a real fastback you’re probably look at a bit of dough. And consider how much you paid for a good rust free (or minimal rust fastback) You may be close to the price of a Dynacorn Fastback body.
Almost the cost of a Dynacorn body, why not get one of those? Well you have to remember your coupe will most likely come with all the original Mustang parts whereas the Dynacorn body does not, it’s just that, a body. So add on the cost of an engine, interior, wheels etc. and you find your coupe project looking fairly cheap in comparison.
Structure
So we’ve decided to go ahead with it. Will it be structurally sound? is it legal? Well I’m not sure how the law goes here in Australia but in the states it does appear to be legal. There are several companies offering the service and by all reports they do do a good job, one of them being Drake Customs who state:
ALL OF OUR CONVERSIONS NOW COME WITH A STOCK STYLE INNER STRUCTURE THAT COMPLETES THIS CONVERSION 100%
Supply them your coupe and they will do it for a $5000.00 or buy a completed one from them for $8550. Not too bad if your not the purist. which brings me down the VIN.
Piece of Mind
Let’s say you did get one done, it looks great, drives well, is sound and is the envy of all your buddies. But at the end of the day you still have the Coupe VIN# under the bonnet. A tricky one to explain at the next Mustang Club Day. As I said if you’re not the purist then this won’t phase you but when investing so much money into it you might want to consider the resale value. Even if you don’t mind, someone else probably will. So don’t expect Fastback dollars for your car.
Overall it’s a great idea if you want a Fastback for half the price and you’re not worried about resale. This of course is just my opinion. I am no metal worker, no Mustang expert, just another fan putting some ideas out there. Check out the before and after photos below or read about what others have to say.
Photo’s courtesy of RASCalif
Hello, Everyone! I’m new here and I would just to say that I respect everyone one’s personal opinion on the subject. With that already said I would also like to give my own 2 cents about the idea of a converation.
1. Everyone wants a Mustang Fastback and most people out there are not willing to pay top dollar for them because of the prices they see. I want a Fastback and I have a 67 Coupe and I would like to convert it because I want a Fastback and I don’t care about the whole “resale” idea because I intend to stay with that car. I like the idea of a “affordable” fastback because it does bring more customers to your door.
2. Who cares about having a “fake” or so called “Clone” Fastback. Really! in the end its your car, its your money and you should use it or spend it on what ever you want it on. Simple as that. I am really considering going to Drake Customs and leaving my coupe there to be converted and all but…I still would like to know alittle more information about the finished product and how it rates against a “real” fastback. I can afford $5,550 dollars and I really enjoy hearing stories about people reaching their goals and or dreams. And if this Ray guy can help me, well…why not?
[...] For someone that doesn’t have money to spend this could be a good option. Although as I explained last week there are a lot of things to consider with a Coupe to Fastback Mustang. One being that you will have a Coupe VIN# which won’t help you on resale. [...]
True! But you have no thoughts about selling it, then there should be no problem as long as your not going to sell it. The only important person in this type of decision is you and you alone not the “other” person who is going to be driving it or that one guy who always asks you if your going to sell it or not, no!
“It’s your money and you should do what you see fit!”
have been researcing this idea and found this page and will begin my conversion starting next week, like mentioned above iam not concerned with resale and its a project my wife and i are doing together. (this will be my first conversion, i also restored my orginal 73 mach 1 last year)
Hi James,
Keep me posted. I only touched on the subject here but wouldn’t mind following someone through it. I would post up updates on here for all to see.
Thanks
Cam
cam,
hey no probs, i will definatly keep good pics and drawings, iam awaiting the arrival of my 67 coup tomorrow or thursday. i dunno your location but the place where i got it was old dominion mustang in va. great guys to deal with. and bunch of parts new and old in show room and yard. take care. ohyea my email is ghettoct@yahoo.com
Hey guys nice blog, I have done several coupe / fastback conversions and have to say that it is difficult to a degree but can be done. Also to solve the VIN number issue, for me im always shopping on ebay and other places with totally unrestorable fastback for sale, or sometimes you will find the titles for sale only..meaning the cars or junked out, but the titles are still good and legal. I just take the fastback title, and when I replace the front left appron on the coupe where there factory VIN is stamped I just restamp the new appron with the fastback VIN makeing it.. a real fastback since the appron is the only factory location for the ordignal VIN. but be sure to check with your local laws and such first before you do it, unless you dont care because i dont..lol
will some one give me info on how to or who has a kit avaliable if any
ive been a auto body fabricater for years needing info of parts needed
IF YOU NEED A DONER FASTBACK WITH PAPERS FOR YOUR DYNACORN BODY I HAVE A 68 FASTBACK 302 AUTO COMPLETE RUSTY CAR I AM CUTTING THE TOP OFF TO PUT ON MY 67 COUPE. I WILL SELL IT FOR 3500. 518-892-5253. I AM IN ALBANY NEW YORK.
I am looking for a roof for my 67 fastback my roof is to rusy fro repair and i need to replace anyone know where i could buy one alvarez_alberto@hotmail.com
Im 13 yrs of age but im looking for a mustang with 900 hp i drove a 1992 5.0 with a nitrious kit and a twin turbo kit and smoked a corvette but if you have a mustang for 10,000-under i can work something out when i get a job