Are you curious about a Ford Mustang fastback conversion? Perhaps you’ve been looking for a Fastback but haven’t found one that is affordable or that isn’t completely rusted out. Or maybe you have a coupe and are considering swapping out some of the original metal for some new metal.
We hope this article will be a helpful guide as you decide if a coupe to fastback conversion is right for you.
WHAT MAKES THE MUSTANG FASTBACK SO SPECIAL?
MUSTANG FASTBACK: THE DARLING OF THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
In the 1960s when the Ford Motor Company unveiled the Mustang, it was in reaction to the Chevy Corvair as a competitor. Who would have expected the incredible reception that it received?
The sporty mustang Fastback appealed to drivers who loved the advanced features lacking from the coupe and convertible wanted both power and performance, as well as customization options. Being able to customization both the engine and the interior was a huge perk and draw to the Fastback.
It was ahead of its time.
FAST FORWARD TO TODAY.
A Ford Mustang fastback is no doubt one of the most iconic and sought after Muscle cars of the 1960s. The limited number of Fastbacks that were produced has only increased their value.
If you’ve ever shopped for one, you’d know right away by the price. Finished ones will cost you $50k on the low end. And even a shell that is completely rusted will cost you in the thousands.
It doesn’t change the fact that muscle car lovers still want a Fastback.
HOW DO I GET ONE?
So what do you do when you…
- Can’t drop a small fortune on a Fastback
- Don’t want to start completely from scratch with a $10,000 shell that needs weeks and weeks of rust treatment body work done
BUY AN OLD COUPE.
You can find a running coupe that is in decent shape for $5k on Marketplace. Often the seller will throw in a lot of extra Mustang parts and components that they never got around to assembling.
This is a deal.
You can either sell off the parts and get what you want or install them and save a lot of money.
Now, coupes are awesome. My first car was a 1967 Mustang coupe. I love them! But if you’re set on owning a Fastback, are you going to be satisfied with a coupe? If not…
SOLUTION: COUPE TO FASTBACK CONVERSION KIT
WHAT IS THE VALUE ADD OF A FASTBACK CONVERSION?
This is a hot topic. There are very strong feelings on both sides. Fastback purist will tell you it’s a terrible idea. Original coupe lovers would probably agree. So who is right?
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER…
- Q: WILL YOU BE ABLE TO RESELL YOUR FINISHED CONVERTED FASTBACK FOR THE SAME PRICE AS AN ORIGINAL FASTBACK?
- A1: Of course not. If you’re strictly doing this for resale value and hoping to resell for $60k+, you are probably going to be disappointed. Those VIN digits won’t lie.
- A2: The resale on a converted Fastback can be higher than an original coupe with a profit margin dependent upon the quality of the conversion work, how much you put in it, and if you do it yourself or hire it out.
- Q: IS MONETARY/RESALE VALUE OR INTRINSIC VALUE MORE IMPORTANT TO ME?
- A1: If market/resale value is more important: If your plan is to resell and make in the tens of thousands of dollars, a coupe to fastback conversion isn’t for you. You need to search for a great deal on an original fastback and put in the work to clear it of all rust.
- A2: If intrinsic value is more important: read on
CAN YOU DIY A FORD MUSTANG COUPE TO A FASTBACK?
You might be asking yourself if this is something you can actually do.
My answer is YES.
How do I know this? Because we’ve successfully done it. There are also many other successful fastback conversions documented online.
All you need is a Ford Mustang coupe body, a fastback conversion kit and the right tools and skills.
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER CONVERTING A MUSTANG COUPE TO A FASTBACK CONVERSION???
A DIY coupe to fastback might be for you if you-
- love the look of a Mustang fastback,
- can’t swing the cost of an original fastback
- can’t find an original fastback that isn’t completely covered in rust
- are experienced in metal work
WHAT ABOUT THE VIN DIGITS?!
If showing off your VIN digits is a big deal, then read no further.
But if you’re less concerned about the VIN number and are more interested in driving a bad ass car that you built and are proud of, then you should consider a fastback conversion kit.
WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED FOR A DIY COUPE TO FASTBACK CONVERSION?
Experience in metal working and welding are necessary to taking on this project. I am not a professional welder but have been practicing and improving over the years. If I can learn to accurately cut and weld sheet metal on a car, so can you.
Patience is a necessity. It does take time and precision. Sloppy work is going to show and make a huge mess.
If you want a coupe to Fastback that you’re proud of, you must have patience in the whole process…measuring, cutting, welding sheet metal…
You must be committed to being precise.
Otherwise it is going to be a nightmare when you are ready to install glass, close the doors or trunk, etc. Faulty cutting and assembly is something that no paint job is going to cover-up.
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE THE SKILLS BUT STILL WANT TO DO A FORD MUSTANG FASTBACK CONVERSION?
MENTORSHIPS
Mentorships are available for those wanting to take on a DIY conversion but wanting some support along the way. If you’re interested in a mentorship, please reach out!
HIRE IT OUT
Lucky for you, there are shops and builders who are willing to do the conversion work for you. *Please make sure you find a reputable restoration shop who is experienced in conversions when doing so. Sometimes the lowest price isn’t the best option for restoration.
You can find recommendations from a forum community dedicated to Mustangs or ask around to other builders you trust. If possible, reach out to past customers for reviews.
If you provide the sheet metal kit, you can expect to pay an average of $10k for the labor for the conversion.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR A COMPLETE FASTBACK CONVERSION KIT?
For less than $7k (plus bout $800 for shipping), you can purchase a fastback conversion kit, like these from Kentucky Mustang. These kits include all the body panels that you need for your conversion, although other tools, glass and accessories are required to build a complete Fastback. More about that will be covered in part 2 of the series.
WRAP-UP: SO IS A COUPE TO FASTBACK CONVERSION RIGHT FOR ME?
If everything we’ve mentioned excites you and doesn’t turn you away, then it might just be for you!
Are you ready for more info? If so, watch this video where we dive into our first Mustang Coupe to Fastback conversion.
If you have any questions about a Coupe to Fastback conversion, please reach out. I’m happy to help!
