The Black Mamba
The transformation of the Black Mamba began with a decisive and irreversible step - the complete separation of the Mustang body from its original unibody structure.
The stock 1968 "A-code" fastback arrived at Henry's Hot Rods in Shingle Springs, California, where it quickly became clear that the factory structure would not support the performance goals of the build.
Using an oxy-acetylene cutting torch, Ron Pepper methodically cut through the floor pans, inner wheel wells, and trunk structure. What had once been a complete vehicle was reduced to its outer shell.
With the structural cuts complete, the body was separated from the remaining chassis. With the help of Dave Henry and a forklift, the body was lifted free - marking the point where the build transitioned from modification to full custom construction.
The newly freed body was then positioned onto the Art Morrison Max-G chassis, where it was carefully aligned and tacked into place.
What remained of the original unibody - now reduced to a rolling shell - was removed and dismantled. From this point forward, the Black Mamba would no longer be a modified Mustang, but a fully re-engineered vehicle.
