[dzrtrat1111]

65 stang coupe 302 w/c6 while driving with healights on, the healights will be dim then get bright and then a couple of minutes go dim again.. the do not flicker and always come on.. what is my problem. i have worked on many cars, but i am a noobie with electrical.. thanks

 

[heavy metal]

I suggest to check your grounds for the lights.Take them off,clean them and clean where they bolt to,reinstall....

 

[mortman]

sounds like voltage drop, here is a link Brighter Headlights
I have not tryed this yet but here its a solution to our dim lights. when i am ready i will be putting evething on there own circuts so i should not have an issue. but if i do ill defenetly give this a shot

 

[gtss]

When you say they go from dim to bright, are you meaning that you have them on High beam, and they go to low beam on their own?
if so there is a crcuit breaker built into the headlamp switch, it will require replacement, the switch that is.
the above mentioned fix, which involves wiring in relays, will fix it and will make a huge difference in the lighting. My 65 was doing the same thing, I would recommend replacing the switch and installing relays, phenomenal improvement.
gtss

 

[MizzouMike76]

dzrtrat,

I HAVE done the above mentioned wiring upgrade (wiring in the relays)......I actually used the same link provided by mortman. It will make a big difference in how bright your headlights are, almost like a new car.

However, I think your dim to bright to dim issue is something else entirely. Do they cycle like this when the car is at idle, or just after? If so, it sounds like you have an old or original voltage regulator that is cycling. The lights will dim and brighten when the contacts under the cover open and close. I believe this is normal, though we aren't used to seeing it as most replacement VRs are of the newer solid state type.

I have an old replacement VR from way back when, and my headlights will do this; though after the wiring upgrade, it is barely noticeable.

Michael

 

[Rtilly]

this seems like a great idea I was thinking my lights are to dim but when it comes to this stuff its like greek to me i dont quite understand those diagrams but i would love to be able to do this stuff on my own.

 

[MizzouMike76]

Vintage Mustang Wiring Diagrams

Download those diagrams, print them out, and study them. When I was a kid and learning about wiring, I used to follow the path of electricity for each bulb and accy on old VW diagrams, and it worked for me.

If you still can't figure it out and don't trust yourself, find a friend who is in the know and ask them for help. There is no shame in asking for help, only in watching your Mustang burn to the ground because you didn't ask!

And of course a good place to find a bunch of knowledgeable folks ready to help is......

right here!

Michael

 

[Rtilly]

thanks mizzoumike76 and i will be trying to do everything to my mustang on my own its all new for me, I agree there is nothing wrong with asking for help it doesnt make me less of a guy i have no problem with asking i love to ask for help you learn so much more that way.:bigthumbsup

 

[Montana's Stang]

I have to agree with Heavy Metal and Mizzou...this sounds like either a grounding problem or a voltage regulator situation. I have never seen the headlight switch itself cause this kind of problem but parts fail in funny ways so it could be that as well.

 

[MizzouMike76]

I have to agree with Heavy Metal and Mizzou...this sounds like either a grounding problem or a voltage regulator situation. I have never seen the headlight switch itself cause this kind of problem but parts fail in funny ways so it could be that as well.

Don't we know it. The older the car, the more 'personality' it and its parts will develop.

As for the wiring diagrams, the good news is the wiring on these old Mustangs is quite simple and straightforward (with the exception of the 66 hazard warning wiring which I STILL don't get), and is a great place to learn the basics. Doing it all yourself will give you a sense of accomplishment and pride. You'll be calling it your 'baby' in no time

 

[Montana's Stang]

MizzouMike is right about the "personality" thing...if you own one of these cars long enough you can almost anticipate the next problem. I have talked to classic car owners (not just Mustang owners) who will say things like "this car has a problem with alternators" or "I can't keep a window regulator working in this car". They may have come off the assembly line identical, but after 40+ years each car has it's own tweaks and problems. Half the fun is learning what they are!