Reproduction Parts

Reproduction parts are newly-manufactured components designed to fit and function like original Ford parts, but made by aftermarket suppliers 50+ years after the originals.

How reproductions are made:

Process:

1. Acquire original Ford part (NOS or good used)

1. Reverse-engineer dimensions, materials, finishes

1. Create tooling (molds, dies, stamps)

1. Manufacture using modern processes

1. Package and distribute

Quality levels:

Budget reproductions:

• Cheapest option

• Made overseas (usually China)

• Adequate fit (requires adjustment)

• Materials acceptable but not original-spec

• Cost: 30-50% of premium reproductions

Standard reproductions:

• Good quality

• Better fit than budget

• Decent materials

• Most common choice

• Cost: Standard pricing

Premium reproductions:

• Excellent fit and finish

• Original-spec materials when possible

• Better QC than standard

• Brands: Dynacorn, Scott Drake, NPD premium lines

• Cost: 30-60% more than standard

Concours-correct reproductions:

• Exact replicas of originals

• Correct finishes, markings, details

• Best available for concours builds

• Brands: Distinctive Industries (interior), specific suppliers

• Cost: 2-3x standard reproductions (but still less than NOS)

I've used all quality levels. Budget door weatherstripping ($40) leaked and fell off in 6 months. Premium weatherstripping ($120) fit perfectly and sealed great. Sometimes you get what you pay for. Sometimes budget is fine. Know which parts matter.

Reproductions make restoration accessible and affordable for 95% of Mustang owners.

Reproduction advantages:

• Available (order today, receive in days)

• Affordable (1/3 to 1/10 NOS cost)

• New condition (no 50-year storage issues)

• Warranty (typically 1 year)

• Modern materials (sometimes better than original)

Reproduction disadvantages:

• Not original (concours deduction)

• Fit sometimes imperfect (varies by part and manufacturer)

• Quality varies (budget vs premium)

• Date codes wrong/absent

• May lack original markings

When reproductions are perfect:

• Show quality builds (appearance matters, not originality)

• Driver quality builds (function over authenticity)

• Budget restorations ($40,000-$70,000 range)

• Common parts (extensive selection)

When NOS is better:

• Concours builds (originality required)

• Ultra-rare cars (Shelby, Boss)

• Parts with fit issues (reproductions don't fit right)

• Investment-grade builds

The 90/10 rule:

90% of restoration parts should be reproductions. 10% might benefit from NOS (if you can find and afford it).