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Author
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Topic: headlights flashing on and off?
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 06:18 PM
 
well when i first got the car i drove around with the high beams on and didnt realize it and one night they started to flash if i drove for more then 10 minutes. so today i installed aux driving lights and hooked them up to the low beam wire in the headlight harness. and they started to flash. as soon as i unplug the driving lights the low beams turn back on. it is almost like they are drawing to much power. any ideas. i dont think it is a bad ground on the aux lights bc that i wired to the battery ground. i have a brand new dimmer switch for the lights too. any ideas guys. i also have halogen headlights (replacements) but my alt has 100 amp. and i have plenty of blue lights hooked up to the car(firefighter) but they are to the battery. could it be a bad headlight switch? that would be my guess------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-14-2004 06:28 PM
Headlight switches will trip on and off when they are overloaded, which yours certainly sounds like it is. You should be using relays for those light circuits.P.S. Be happy the switch is tripping on and off, fire is your other choice.  ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip [This message has been edited by SteveLaRiviere (edited 06-14-2004).]
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 06:40 PM
steve can you elaborate on that? so your saying the lights are pulling to much power through the switch correct? but howcome my highbeams did it when i didnt have the lights installed. were should i put a relay? in the wire going from the switch to the dimmer or the power wire going to the light switch?also my lights pulseate when i idle at like a stop sign or street light. what could this be from it looks like the way the motor sounds when the lights dim the rpm of the motor goes down but when i rev the lights stay constant. thanks for your help
i was also thinking could my voltage regulator be bad? im asuming that the power goes to that before it enters the main wire harness. that could be why my lights pulsate? am i just rambleing or is it a possibelity? what ya think
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1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
[This message has been edited by trashline (edited 06-14-2004).] [This message has been edited by trashline (edited 06-14-2004).]
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-14-2004 07:09 PM
Do you have halogen headlights? They pull enough power to trip light switches, especially once the switches are old and more sensitive.To wire a relay in, you would use the present circuit to the headlight as the 'trigger' then a stout wire {10-12 gauge} from the battery {fused, of course} to supply power to the light circuit. If you are unfamiliar with how relays work, they use a weaker current as a trigger which switches a heavier current through the relay so the heavy current never passes through your light switch. Horns and electric fuel pumps use this principal, too. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-14-2004 07:11 PM
Pulsating headlights which get stronger with engine speed usually indicate a weak voltage regulator.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 07:21 PM
i really appreciate the help steve. i just went outside and looked at my regulator it looks pretty new and then previous owner said it was also. but from what i looked at my specific regulator is supposed to be black the one i have is with a blue cover. is there a way to adjust the VR or should i just purchase a new one? i have a 66 coupe. yes my headlights are halogen lights. also i am going to have to put a relay on the wire that goes to the dimmer switch since two come out i would have to use two relays.which isnt a problem. thanks again------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-14-2004 07:24 PM
If you don't care if it's 100% original, get an electronic voltage regulator. They work much more efficiently and they are even cheaper than the repro style ones. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
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GTRocks
Gearhead Posts: 4800
From: Lusby, MD
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 06-14-2004 07:33 PM
You definitely have a bad headlight switch. The fuse is ceramic and sits behind the switch knob. I had this problem at 2am on a dark dark road. It was not pretty. Talk about having your heart in your throat! Basically, the ceramic fuse heats up and cuts off. Once off, it cools down and cuts back on. Repeat. I used to be able to just make it from my girlfriends house to home before they'd cut out. Ahem...not that I'd recommend that approach!  Anyway, replace the switch and you'll be good. I don't believe your problem is related to your regulator. When you take the switch out, pay attention to whether or not the spacer is permanently attached to the fuse. If it is, you have a '65 switch. Non-attached is '66. I have a '66 Mustang, but a '65 switch!  Anyway, watch for that! I ordered 3 of them before somebody finally explained to me what was going on. Dave
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 07:43 PM
really. well should i order the 65 ot 66 switch? 66 im assuming. but then i still have the pulsing lights which steve said was the VR where can i pick up an electronic VR at any mustang catalog? any specific i shoudl ask for and no i dont care about 100%orginal. gtrocks do you think the plusing lights could be from the light switch too or no? thanks for the quick responcees guys------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-14-2004 07:44 PM
quote:
Originally posted by GTRocks:
I don't believe your problem is related to your regulator.
Did you see this part? "...the lights dim the rpm of the motor goes down but when i rev the lights stay constant." ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 07:47 PM
im not a wiz kid but i think what steve is saying about the pulsing lights at idle is the VR. the sporatic on and off i think is the switch. gosh darnit more money------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-14-2004 07:50 PM
The old style voltage regulators have points-like switches in them to switch the charging circuit on and off. Pulsating lights that get brighter with engine rpm was a common problem. The new electronic voltage regulators eliminate that problem with their solid state circuitry.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 07:54 PM
alrighty then sounds good i will have to pick one of them up. think napa will carry them? ------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-14-2004 07:55 PM
Yes. I think nowadays it's harder to get the old style ones.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 07:57 PM
ok cool any specific year bc i know they are lazy and dont want tolook in the books for a 66. but i will try that first.------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-14-2004 08:00 PM
Give them your year, and if they can't find it, grab the catalog out of their hands and look it up for them.  ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 08:02 PM
haha will do thanks for everything steve. and gtrocks------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 22791
From: Reno Nv M&M #1240
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 06-14-2004 08:02 PM
Save the time and look it up yourself first.  ------------------
SCOOP oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs 65 coupe,351w,C4,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,8" 3.40 TracLoc. My Pics
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 08:08 PM
yea unless i get ahold of the cool guy. so i will be ordering a new headlight switch . im sure if it isnt bad yet then it should be replaced anyway. but i hope that works for the lights. if not then in goes the relay. thanks for the help and actully a relay might not be a bad idea to put in anyway to insure extra safety. and i will be stopping at the napa near me for a vr.------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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GTRocks
Gearhead Posts: 4800
From: Lusby, MD
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 06-14-2004 08:48 PM
Sorry, I missed the dimming part I thought they were strictly switching on and off. Mine definitely didn't dim. They were more like **WHAM** total blackness!  Although, I suppose that is a dimming of sorts! Sorry, I missed that. I knew my VR was bad because my battery was spitting acid, but that's another story! Yeah, sounds like you need both. The VR's are cheap though. You'll have to pull the switch and see if the spacer is attached, or if it is two pieces. You'll probably be fine ordering a '66 switch. Mine was an early '66, so I'm finding that's a consideration when ordering parts.
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 08:51 PM
yea im going with that conclusion too i will let you know what happens when i fix it all------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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whiteknight289
Gearhead Posts: 1391
From: Wheaton, IL, USA
Registered: Mar 2004
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posted 06-14-2004 09:11 PM
You would be fine asking for a voltage regulator for a 73 mustang. They use the same plug-in.Definately replace the headlight switch, after almost 40 years I'm sure it is tired. Get the switch with the bracket attached, it only has two tiny spot welds holding the bracket in place, if you don't need the bracket you can twist it off with a flat-blade screwdriver. ------------------
MCA Certified Judge, 1965-1966
66 GT coupe A code, Silver Frost
65 coupe modified - the White Knight
66 convert being restored
95 GT convertible/Cobra clone - black with white leather
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GTRocks
Gearhead Posts: 4800
From: Lusby, MD
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 06-14-2004 09:22 PM
quote:
Originally posted by whiteknight289:
Get the switch with the bracket attached, it only has two tiny spot welds holding the bracket in place, if you don't need the bracket you can twist it off with a flat-blade screwdriver.
....and if you have my TLC, you'll snap the whole ceramic assembly in the process!
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 09:25 PM
alrighty guys it shall be fixed tomorrow. the vr part i have to order the switch i just bidded on one so. ------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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whiteknight289
Gearhead Posts: 1391
From: Wheaton, IL, USA
Registered: Mar 2004
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posted 06-14-2004 10:08 PM
NAPA should have both the switch and the voltage regulator in stock. Headlight switch should be under $20 and no shipping.
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-14-2004 10:48 PM
ok napa has both online so i am going to write down the part numbers and stop by napa tomorrow but there are like 10 different kind of VR. some say electrical and some dont one is 70 bucks and the other is 9 i dont know which one to get. they also have different voltage ranges from 42 amps to 70 but i have a 100amp alt will to amp work or no should i do a search for a 73 mustang?i found one for a 73 maverick with a 200 it will take a load from 100amp alt think i should get that one?
this is the info for it
Mileage Plus Electrical Voltage Regulator - Transistorized
Item#: MPEVR440SB Price: $ 9.99
tax and shipping not included Usually ships in 24 hours.
Attributes:
Attributes: Voltage Regulator - Transistorized
Add to Cart
Return to Previous Page New Search
Comments:
. w/ 100 Amp Alternator . w/ 70 Amp Alternator . w/ 90 Amp Alternator . w/ 40 Amp Alternator . w/ 61 Amp Alternator . w/ 70, 90 Amp Alternator . w/ 42, 55 Amp Alternator . Motorcraft Type . Ford Type . w/ 38, 42, 55 Amp Motorcraft Alternator . Except High Temperature . To Serial # A50,000
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1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
[This message has been edited by trashline (edited 06-14-2004).]
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66 fastback
Gearhead Posts: 223
From: Califon, NJ 07830
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 06-15-2004 11:18 AM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by GTRocks:
[B]You definitely have a bad headlight switch. The fuse is ceramic and sits behind the switch knob.Actually there is a circuit breaker inside the housing of the switch, the ceramic and spring you descibed is the rheostat for dimming the instrument lights.
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-15-2004 04:54 PM
well i have a buddy who has a deal with napa they get things for cheaper. and the switch and VR are on there way to the shop as i speak. thanks guys------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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nickmobile67
Gearhead Posts: 200
From: NJ
Registered: May 2003
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posted 06-15-2004 07:02 PM
trashline, the MPEVR440SB is the cheaper line. If you want the better version of the same thing, look up the price on a Echlin (as opposed to milage plus) VR440
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GTRocks
Gearhead Posts: 4800
From: Lusby, MD
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 06-15-2004 08:44 PM
quote:
Originally posted by 66 fastback:
Actually there is a circuit breaker inside the housing of the switch, the ceramic and spring you descibed is the rheostat for dimming the instrument lights.
I don't think I ever described a spring. It's all one assembly, and the whole assembly needs to be replaced. You can't just replace part of the assembly, unless you did surgery I guess.
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whiteknight289
Gearhead Posts: 1391
From: Wheaton, IL, USA
Registered: Mar 2004
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posted 06-15-2004 09:11 PM
66 fatback is right, so is GTrocks.You have to replace the whole switch as an assembly. The part that rotates is a ceramic disc that has a long coil imbedded in it with a contact that sweeps over the coils. This controls the dim/bright of the instrument lights.
By the way, there is also a small spring between the rheostat and the front of the switch, it keeps the disc centered when there is no knob shaft going thru the switch.
Oh yeah, and also a spring on the little button you have to push in to get the shaft to unlock...so, 3 springs altogether? [This message has been edited by whiteknight289 (edited 06-15-2004).]
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n2oMike
Gearhead Posts: 3058
From: Spencer, WV
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 06-15-2004 09:19 PM
This is all good info.My car has halogen lights, and at times, they will go on and off while driving down the road! Thanks! ------------------
Mike Burch
66 mustang real street
302 4-speed 289 heads
10.63 @ 129.3
http://www.geocities.com/carbedstangs/cmml_mburch.html
http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/healey/367
http://www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/moi-display.cgi?220
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GTRocks
Gearhead Posts: 4800
From: Lusby, MD
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 06-15-2004 10:44 PM
Halogen lights, I'm told, put more of a current draw on the circuit and have a tendency to burn out the old circuitry. I put a new headlight switch in with my halogens in about '87 and haven't had a problem since (still using the halogens).
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-16-2004 06:41 AM
well i am picking up the most expensive electric VR napa has and a new head light switch. i will let you guys know the results as soon as im finished------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-16-2004 07:01 PM
wel i found the retart at napa ug. they tell my guy one thing and tell me another thing. they wernt sure what kind of VR goes in it they have two for that year. so he says. but now i was told i will have these items tomorrow. i hope so or il beat all them.------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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trashline
Gearhead Posts: 2230
From: Levittown, Pa
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 06-17-2004 07:59 PM
great news fellas, got the parts. napa gave me the same VR i had on the car but i put the new one on and the lights stopped pulsating. i then later but the headlight switch in and the highbeams work. and my driving lights work. thanks for the great help. i think this will be a good reference for guys to look up on ------------------
1966 mustang coupe
200ci V8 3 speed trans
msd 6a ignition, blaster 2 coil, duraspark dist, 2 inch exhaust to a glass pac, stock rear,I have the single out header not on yet though,and i have the parts for the ram air intake (homemade).
white w/ black interior
will eventully have (after years of great prosperity) a 67-69 fastbask (aka dream car)
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GTRocks
Gearhead Posts: 4800
From: Lusby, MD
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 06-17-2004 09:32 PM
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