Classic Fastback Skeletons now available from Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred, the Canfield, Ohio-based replacement parts specialist, announces the release of an exclusive product: the 1965/1966 Fastback skeleton. Years in the making and the only one available on the market, it comes from Nate Miller, renowned Mustang restorer. These skeletons, available as a full restoration component skeleton or a Clipster, are identical to the originals in order to ensure the fit and quality of the parts.

Whether looking for a track car, resto-mod, a solid basis for a restoration, a coupe-to-fastback conversion, or to make a personal vision for a classic fastback a reality, these skeletons are impossible to tell apart from the iconic pony cars of the 1960s. Nate and his team have tried to use other reproduction body shells currently on the market and were disappointed; they found the tolerances to be unacceptable. “Parts had to be stretched or shrunk to fit, and the skeletons had major issues,” recalls Nate, who has been restoring Mustangs to concours standards for more than 20 years. “When restoring a car, having a good foundation is the key to being successful and getting parts to fit.”

Nate realized that the only way to make replacement parts to his standards was to follow the same formula of the originals almost 50 years ago: quality American engineering. Working closely with a local machine shop, Cardinal Precision Machining, to build the fixtures, the skeletons are now assembled here in the U.S. to exact specifications to ensure that these are the best replacement skeletons available and are virtually indistinguishable from the originals. “After taking a glance at the fixtures that had been used in the past, it was clear that we needed to redesign the work-holding stations,” said Stephen Ruhl, owner of Cardinal Machining. “We started the procedure of re-engineering the fixture using CAD software, and then CNC machined the fixture points to the 1965 fastback blueprint specifications. Using modern machines, we are able to get tolerances as tight as or tighter than the original, meaning fewer problems for the restorer and end user.”

Original cars rust in several common areas, many of which are structural, meaning difficult and time-consuming repairs. Beginning with a rust-free replacement makes restoration or personalization more of a pleasure than a chore. “We have spend far more than the cost of a new skeleton, and saved only the dash and roof of the original car,” said Brian Ciriello, Thoroughbred parts manager and Mustang expert. “This skeleton will line up perfectly.” Through a partnership with Wild Horse Specialties, the skeletons can come with all welding completed and roof, doors, trunk panels installed. From there, everything is bolt-on, and thanks to the industry-leading fit and finish, hassle-free for a home enthusiast or a restoration shop. The Clipster begins at $8,500, the skeletons at $9,500. All are finished in red-primer, just like the originals.