Got a couple questions about 79 to 86 part swaps...

[Crigitine]

Hello everyone!

A long-time reader of FEP, but I've never made an account - only read. :)

I had a few questions about some ideas running through my head today.

First, I wanted to know if I could swap the 1979 taillights onto my 1986 Hatchback. Is it possible? Are there year differences preventing me from doing it? Can it be "forced" with some body-shop work?

Second, I wanted to know if I could make the swap from the 86 stock spoiler to the 1979 Pacecar spoiler? I could have sworn I saw one on Ebay the other day that said "1979 to 1993 compatible" but I was a dummy and didn't ask you guys in time, and now I can't find it. So, is it possible to swap on? Can I "force" it on if I do a little body work?

Thanks for reading everyone - I really appreciate it. :)

[FoxChassis]

First, I wanted to know if I could swap the 1979 taillights onto my 1986 Hatchback. Is it possible? Are there year differences preventing me from doing it? Can it be "forced" with some body-shop work?
The taillight panel and the wiring is different. You'd have to drill a couple of new holes in the taillight panel and swap the rear wiring harness.

Second, I wanted to know if I could make the swap from the 86 stock spoiler to the 1979 Pacecar spoiler? I could have sworn I saw one on Ebay the other day that said "1979 to 1993 compatible" but I was a dummy and didn't ask you guys in time, and now I can't find it. So, is it possible to swap on? Can I "force" it on if I do a little body work?
It will not legally pass any state inspection unless you install a center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL). You'll have to drill some new holes for the spoiler's attaching hardware. If the '86 hatch already had a spoiler, you'll have to also fill some existing holes.

[roadburner]

I've got a question...I've never paid attention nor thought about this until now. On the 79-82 cars, did the brake and turn signal share the same bulb? where when signaling you have one brake light and the other flashes for the signal? Or was there a separate bulb in there too like on the later cars? If it shares the brake/turn on those years...i was thinking maybe this would be possible: modify the reverse light section to accept another bulb (the turn sig bulb from teh 86 wiring) and use an amber colored bulb. That way you would have an amber turn signal and clear reverse light.

Also to get a CHMSL, I was thinking you could easily find a small LED strip type of automotive/motorcycle light and could mount it in several different locations on the rear of the car. I had thought maybe on the hatch kind of under the lip just above the license plate. Or maybe a small one somehow attached to the bottom of the rear window.

Ok, i'm done...just figured i'd throw those random thoughts at you all. :)

[v8only]

what state do you live in? We don't have vehicle safety inspections in cali.

[FoxChassis]

Presence of a CHMSL in/on '86 and newer passenger vehicles and '94 and newer light trucks is a federal law (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108).

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/FMVSS/#SN108

[v8only]

I understand, much like smog equipment removal is illegal under the same federal law.

personally, I think i'd rather have smog checks over safety inspections. Maybe being from cali, I'm just used to that though.

[FoxChassis]

Yeah, I guess I should have worded it differently, since not all states have an inspection program. :oops:

I personally would like a required safety inspection. At least that would catch safety hazards (which can potentially affect us all) such as inoperable running and or stop lamps, worn suspension and steering components, etc., and require their repair.

[negusm]

such as inoperable running and or stop lamps, worn suspension and steering components, etc., and require their repair.

Like BRAKES?

If there is one thing all states should check are the brakes on cars.

I've heard stories of the stuff you can get away with in no-inspection states. It kind of scares me knowing that stuff is out on the road.

-Mike

[FoxChassis]

such as inoperable running and or stop lamps, worn suspension and steering components, etc., and require their repair.

Like BRAKES?

If there is one thing all states should check are the brakes on cars.

I've heard stories of the stuff you can get away with in no-inspection states. It kind of scares me knowing that stuff is out on the road.

-Mike
Couldn't have said it any better myself.

[FoxChassis]

Have a read:

http://www.sacbee.com/content/business/wheels/v-print/story/13316354p-14158449c.html

[Crigitine]

Awesome! Thanks for helping me make sure it's possible. :)

Now, two more questions. :P

Number one, are there any sites that sell the taillights for the 1979 Mustang?

Number two, are there any websites that sell the spoiler for the 1979 model?

Thanks again. :)

[negusm]

Awesome! Thanks for helping me make sure it's possible. :)

Now, two more questions. :P

Number one, are there any sites that sell the taillights for the 1979 Mustang?

Number two, are there any websites that sell the spoiler for the 1979 model?

Thanks again. :)

Ebay ebay ebay. Or ask in the classified section of this site.

-Mike

[FoxChassis]

FYI:

'79-'82 Mustang taillights are all the same
'79-early '84 hatchback spoilers are all the same

[dawaki]

I dont like state inspections. I use to live in south carolina and they had inspections. just because the lights work at inspection doesn't mean they work a week later. everyone should inspect there cars and make sure these things work. I wouldn't want to drive a car that the brakes didn't work. but I guess if people dont do these things government will step in and take more money from you to do it for you.

[Kyle]

Yeah, I guess I should have worded it differently, since not all states have an inspection program. :oops:

I personally would like a required safety inspection. At least that would catch safety hazards (which can potentially affect us all) such as inoperable running and or stop lamps, worn suspension and steering components, etc., and require their repair.

Safety inspections all are nice and good i suppose, but if you come to Louisiana, they don't mean s#$t. I know a dozen places that will pass your car without even looking at it, and at least one that will say you have a burnt out bulb when you don't and charge you $20 to change it (it was the chms). It is so corrupt down here, its not even funny, especially in light of katrina, where it cost lives.

Sorry, done ranting.

[frankiesaysrelax]

I understand, much like smog equipment removal is illegal under the same federal law.

personally, I think i'd rather have smog checks over safety inspections. Maybe being from cali, I'm just used to that though.

You are forgetting a certain fact. Cops can SEE that your car isn't road legal and pull you over for it. They can't tell if your smog stuff is hooked up, but they sure can see you don't have a CHMSL. On an '86 you would likely get away with it, but I knew a girl with an aeronose LX 5.0 with a saleen? spoiler that used to get pulled over REGULARLY for not having a CHMSL. She gave up and sold the car because of it.