A Word or Two About Lighting
Automotive lighting has come a long way since 1965. Today's lighting technology places greater demands on an old Mustang's electrical system. Halogen and xenon headlamps require greater amounts of power, which places quite a load on headlight switches. This means shorter service life and the need for as much alternator as you can muster. The most alternator you can expect with externally-regulated systems is 65 amps. Go to a single-wire alternator and you can count on upwards of 150 amps.
Halogen taillight bulbs are much brighter, which is a great safety feature. However, Halogen lamps run much hotter, which mandates special taillight lenses and venting of your taillight dishes. LED taillights run cool as long as you opt for ones that are visible from a distance.
The fuse box is the first...
The fuse box is the first point of entry for most of the electrical-system power. Fuses handle light-duty electrical loads like the heater fan, instrument lights, some accessories, radio, courtesy lights, and more. Headlights and parking lamps are protected through a circuit breaker in the headlight switch.
When you order your electrical...
When you order your electrical system from Virginia Classic Mustang, don't forget this fuse kit, which includes every fuse required. It's a good idea to purchase one or two additional kits just in case.
Do your headlights cycle off...
Do your headlights cycle off and on when they have been on a while? If so, the circuit breaker is faulty and the switch needs to be replaced. Virginia Classic Mustang can help with everything you need to replace the switch.
We suggest using the best...
We suggest using the best headlights possible for nighttime safety and driving pleasure. Xenon lamps seem to be the best headlight out there now. Make sure they are properly aimed.
Headlight switches are multi-taskers...
Headlight switches are multi-taskers because they do many things, including dimming the instrument-panel lights through the variable resistor shown here. Turn it counterclockwise to the limit and it illuminates the courtesy lights. As its name implies, the variable resistor impedes the flow of electricity, dimming the lights.
Brake-light switches are found...
Brake-light switches are found behind the instrument panel in all Mustang applications since August of 1964. Prior to that, the brake-light switch was a pressure switch located on the master cylinder.
Tail and parking-lamp bulbs...
Tail and parking-lamp bulbs employ two filaments, a dim one for parking lights and a bright one for turn signals and braking. The shorter, thicker filament is the brighter one because there's more resistance. The taller, thinner filament is dimmer for parking lights. We see a few of these wired backwards, meaning bright for parking lamps, which leads people to believe you are braking.
Brighter bulbs are available...
Brighter bulbs are available for poorly lit classic-Mustang instrument panels. However, be cautious about bulb heat. While you're at it, replace the instrument-voltage limiter, also known as a voltage regulator. When instruments don't work or max out, the voltage limiter is faulty and must be replaced.
Whenever you replace the turn-signal...
Whenever you replace the turn-signal switch...
...don't forget to keep the...
...don't forget to keep the original turn-signal plug on the switch harness. Throw it away and you will have to find a replacement.
Detailing the engine compartment...
Detailing the engine compartment is the best time to replace all underhood wiring, which is exposed to extremes of heat, cold, moisture, and dryness. Play it safe and refresh all underhood wiring whenever you detail. Don't be afraid to protect it with flexible conduit while you're at it.
Virginia Classic Mustang has...
Virginia Classic Mustang has virtually everything you need for exterior lighting. This is the taillight harness and everything that goes with it. New taillight dishes, back-up lamps, and parking lamps make a big difference in safety and the quality of your restoration.