Classic Mustangs List Archive

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Mail From: Gary Zimmerman (email redacted)

Hello to all,

I am new to the list and have been reading (in digest form) the
contents of this list for a few weeks now. I can now conclude that
collectively, the Ford Shop/Service Manuals have been dedicated to
memory! Well, maybe not, but there are some people who contribute
regularly that could teach the local Ford parts counter guy a thing
or two.

I'll sort of ease into the tech material with the following:

My 1965 2+2 has halogen headlight bulbs. Not the permanent
type with interchangable halogen bulbs (not yet, anyway...), but
rather the sealed-beam type. I have not experienced any problems with
the headlight switch's circuit breaker yet, but I have heard that
the halogens often cause trouble there. Since the interior is about
to be refurbished, it'd be a good time to replace the switch
(preventive maintenance?) but I'm not clear on the replacement. I've
been told to use a 1969 Mustang headlight switch, which was designed
for four headlights. If that is so, can the '69 switch use the '65
switch knob? Can anyone give me details of how to fit the '69
switch to my fastback?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.


Gary Zimmerman

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Mail From: Brad Guthrie (email redacted)




(email redacted) (Gary Zimmerman) wrote (amended):

My 1965 2+2 has halogen headlight bulbs. Not the permanent
>type with interchangable halogen bulbs (not yet, anyway...), but
>rather the sealed-beam type. I have not experienced any problems with
>the headlight switch's circuit breaker yet, but I have heard that
>the halogens often cause trouble there.
>I've been told to use a 1969 Mustang headlight switch, which was designed
>for four headlights. If that is so, can the '69 switch use the '65
>switch knob? Can anyone give me details of how to fit the '69
>switch to my fastback?

Gary,

Welcome to the list! As far as your comments go, I'd say that you
have been given good advice. The 69 switch has a higher amp rating
(due to the 4 bulbs) than a comparable other unit. The 69 switch
will most likely have a "cup" spot welded to the front of the switch
so that it will seat correctly with the slope of the 69 dash. It is
a quick removal, just drill or pop it off. Be sure to measure the
shafts, but I *think* that your knob and shaft will fit correctly.
If not you can probably fit your knob to the 69 shaft.

Has anyone done the interchangable halogens, front or rear?

Let us know....

Brad Guthrie
(email redacted)

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Mail From: Eugene Y C Chu (email redacted)

I think most standard halogen replacement lights you get today actually
draw less power than the original standard filament bulbs, so you should
not have to worry about extra load on the light switch. When GE first
introduced their Power+ halogen replacement sealed beam bulbs, I got a
set for my Granada, which was a 2 light system. I swear those early
lights must have had higher power, as I was able to really light up the
dark roads with those things, and the high beams would actually slow
the engine down during idle due to the load on the alternator. I did
not have problems with the light switch on the 2 light system, but that
may be due to a differnet switch (76 Granada).

If you intend to get those "offroad only" high power halogen replacement
lights, then I would recommend getting a better switch, or installing
relays between the switch and the bulbs.

eyc