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  •  » Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

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    8/04/2015 8:42 PM  #1

    jkordzi
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    From: Sequim, WA
    Registered: 12/28/2013
    Posts: 927

    Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    My 65 didn't come with backup lights.  I'm going to buy a rear valence that has cutouts for the trumpet exhaust tips and I have to decide whether to get one that also has the cutouts for backup lights.  So I've been studying wiring diagrams and it looks like the backup harness plugs into existing harnesses.  However, I have a T-5 and it looks like I'm missing the starter neutral safety switch.  Can someone get me started on figuring out what I need in the way of wiring, the switch and if it's worth the trouble?  Thanks.

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    8/04/2015 9:01 PM  #2

    rbtconsultants
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    Registered: 6/10/2013
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    The reverse lights are a separate plug from the NSS. it's got two little nubs sticking out that the plug fits on to. I ordered a Ron Francis Wiring Wiring Pigtail Backup Lamp Switch for t5 from Summit and wired it in. 

    You just need to get 12 volt power to either side of the pigtail and then run a wire  from the other wire on the pigtail to the reverse lights and ground the reverse lights. I ran switched power from under the dash to under the car and then did the rest of the wiring under the car.

    Easy peasy.

    Bob

     

    8/04/2015 9:08 PM  #3

    boomyal
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    From: Vancouver, Washington
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    Be sure to get some LED backup lites or it is not worth your while to add them.  Stock incandescent lights are worthless.
    http://www.mustangproject.com/ProductDisplay.aspx?ID=3fe51e1e-f638-4902-a4ff-1f3feef49426

    Last edited by boomyal (8/04/2015 9:09 PM)

     

    8/04/2015 9:22 PM  #4

    jkordzi
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    From: Sequim, WA
    Registered: 12/28/2013
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    rbtconsultants wrote:

    The reverse lights are a separate plug from the NSS. it's got two little nubs sticking out that the plug fits on to. I ordered a Ron Francis Wiring Wiring Pigtail Backup Lamp Switch for t5 from Summit and wired it in.

    You just need to get 12 volt power to either side of the pigtail and then run a wire from the other wire on the pigtail to the reverse lights and ground the reverse lights. I ran switched power from under the dash to under the car and then did the rest of the wiring under the car.

    Easy peasy.

    Bob

    My wiring diagram shows the NSS inline with the backup lights.  Are you saying that I should just substitute the backup light switch for the T-5?  Thanks.

    Cheap, Fast, Good:  Pick Any Two
       •Thread Starter
     

    8/04/2015 10:03 PM  #5

    rbtconsultants
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    I don't know which wiring diagram you are looking at.  What I know is my NSS was removed when we had the t5 rebuilt, but still has the reverse lamp switch, which the pigtail i mentioned connects to. I had no wiring in the car,  i installed a new 21 circuit aftermarket wiring harness. The wiring I did for the backup switch was done as I said. I used regular bulb Drake reverse lights,  plenty bright.

    Bob

     

    8/05/2015 12:13 AM  #6

    boomyal
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    rbtconsultants wrote:

    ..... I used regular bulb Drake reverse lights, plenty bright......Bob

    .....until you compare their effectiveness to a good set of LED backup lights....
     

     

    8/05/2015 9:22 AM  #7

    rbtconsultants
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    boomyal wrote:

    rbtconsultants wrote:

    ..... I used regular bulb Drake reverse lights, plenty bright......Bob

    .....until you compare their effectiveness to a good set of LED backup lights....
     

     I agree for brake and turn signals.  Brighter is better.  I just don't feel the same way with backup lights I guess.  First,  they are white and pretty visible,  and second,  how bright do they need to be for their purpose? Maybe I'm not considering something I should be?

    Bon

     

    8/06/2015 5:28 AM  #8

    wsinsle
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    From: Belle Vernon, PA
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    rbtconsultants wrote:

    boomyal wrote:

    rbtconsultants wrote:

    ..... I used regular bulb Drake reverse lights, plenty bright......Bob

    .....until you compare their effectiveness to a good set of LED backup lights....
     

     I agree for brake and turn signals. Brighter is better. I just don't feel the same way with backup lights I guess. First, they are white and pretty visible, and second, how bright do they need to be for their purpose? Maybe I'm not considering something I should be?

    Bon

    You must have a lot younger eyes than mine, if light doesn't matter.
     

    If this forum can't fix it, it isn't broke.
     

    8/06/2015 6:45 AM  #9

    Don
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    From: Coppell, Texas
    Registered: 4/02/2013
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    wsinsle wrote:

    rbtconsultants wrote:

    boomyal wrote:


    .....until you compare their effectiveness to a good set of LED backup lights....
     

     I agree for brake and turn signals. Brighter is better. I just don't feel the same way with backup lights I guess. First, they are white and pretty visible, and second, how bright do they need to be for their purpose? Maybe I'm not considering something I should be?

    Bon

    You must have a lot younger eyes than mine, if light doesn't matter.
     

    easy easy easy  all gather around "Time for a group hug"  

     

    8/06/2015 8:34 AM  #10

    wsinsle
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    From: Belle Vernon, PA
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    Don wrote:

    wsinsle wrote:

    rbtconsultants wrote:


     I agree for brake and turn signals. Brighter is better. I just don't feel the same way with backup lights I guess. First, they are white and pretty visible, and second, how bright do they need to be for their purpose? Maybe I'm not considering something I should be?

    Bon

    You must have a lot younger eyes than mine, if light doesn't matter.
     

    easy easy easy  all gather around "Time for a group hug"  

     
    No, No, No: No hard feeling intended, just stating facts. I can read a news paper out side in the sunlight without glasses, but inside or at night I turn into Mr. Magoo.

    If this forum can't fix it, it isn't broke.
     

    8/06/2015 9:17 AM  #11

    DC
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    From: Marshall, MI
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    I have been is cars several times that backed into something at night. Once I was even driving. Brighter back up lights would have been a great help. I think most back up light are usless as supplied by the manufacturer. Having them as bright as the headlights would not be a bad thing since they only come on in reverse.

     

    8/06/2015 9:22 AM  #12

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    Get a night capable back up camera, much safer when reversing!

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    8/06/2015 11:28 AM  #13

    rbtconsultants
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    Registered: 6/10/2013
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    Re: Adding backup lights on a 65 that didn't come with them

    DC wrote:

    I have been is cars several times that backed into something at night. Once I was even driving. Brighter back up lights would have been a great help. I think most back up light are usless as supplied by the manufacturer. Having them as bright as the headlights would not be a bad thing since they only come on in reverse.

     
    This is a good point I hadn't considered. I was just thinking of them as signal lights to let someone behind me know I was backing up.

    Bob

     

     

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