80 taillights

86_302 · 02-02-2008, 05:21 PM

i just found a great set of 1980 tail lights at the wreckers.
i want to put them in my 86 because theres so much room between lenses and the license plate and i want to put my battery kill switch in there when the battey goes to the trunk. does anybody know if the screw in lights are the same in all mustangs back then?

Desi · 02-02-2008, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86_302

i just found a great set of 1980 tail lights at the wreckers.
i want to put them in my 86 because theres so much room between lenses and the license plate and i want to put my battery kill switch in there when the battey goes to the trunk. does anybody know if the screw in lights are the same in all mustangs back then?

79-82 are interchangeable, but for 83+ you will need to do some adjusting.. not sure what all it entails, but I don't think it is "too" dificult.. just a little cutting...

FoxChassis · 02-02-2008, 08:26 PM

Have to drill additional holes in the taillight panel (the metal frame that's part of the body that the taillights bolt to) and modify or change out the wiring.

86_302 · 02-02-2008, 08:32 PM

do you know whats involved in the changing the wiring?

FoxChassis · 02-02-2008, 08:43 PM

Remove the interior trim panels that cover the taillight panel and trace the taillight wiring harness back (towards the front of the car) to the first plug/connector. As long as the '79-'82 taillight harness has the same plug and the same wiring arrangement, it'll swap right over. If it's not the same you're going to be in for some fun.

86_302 · 02-02-2008, 09:38 PM

i havent had mine appart but i would think there are 3 bulbs in each light assembly just like these other ones?

FoxChassis · 02-02-2008, 09:46 PM

Yup, three each. But the function of the tailllamp, stoplamp, and turn signal is different for each.

Peganit2 · 02-02-2008, 10:25 PM

The bolt mounting pattern is different and for me the deal breaker is that the
cutout holes are different and the sealing will be affected. When I do this to my 86 I am seriously considering putting the taillight panel from an 82 on it.

Radical I know but it would bother me.

On the wiring I think all you have to do is lengthen or shorten some wires.

FoxChassis · 02-02-2008, 11:30 PM

Negatory on the wiring change being that simple.

Go look at the taillamp/stoplamp/turn signal arrangement and function of '79-'82 taillight wiring. Now go look at '83-'93 wiring.

'79-'82 tails = TWO taillamps/stoplamps/turn signals
'83-'93 tails = ONE taillamp/stoplamp and ONE turn signal

In other words, the two '79-'82 bulbs work in unison as taillamps AND stoplamps AND turn signals, and the two '83-'93 bulbs don't (ONE is a taillamps and stoplamp and ONE is a turn signal).

The "third" bulb is back-up/reverse.

You have to modify the harness or change it.

86_302 · 02-03-2008, 10:46 AM

so why cant i leave it and have one tail/stoplamp and one turn signal and one reverse light? 3 bulbs, 3 holes.. i dont see what the big deal is

Peganit2 · 02-03-2008, 12:16 PM

FoxChassis is right on this,

for it to function as stock 80 taillights the wiring does need to be modified.

BUT, you can have perfectly functioning taillights by just lengthening some of the wires.

I try to avoid splicing wires if I can. You could probably take the tape off and find enough play in the wiring to avoid straining the connections, and avoid extra splices.

black1980fiveoh · 02-03-2008, 12:48 PM

I have seen what you are talking about at the drag strip. It was an 88-93 with 1979-82 taillights and the kill switch was clearly visable. I didn't notice if the lights worked. It did look like a street car.

86_302 · 02-03-2008, 03:30 PM

so maybe it won't function "exactly" like 80 lights but ill still have a backup light, a brake/running light, and a signal light... correct me if i'm wrong

tripice351 · 02-03-2008, 03:33 PM

Cmon.. you've already done a 5.0 swap, don't be scared of a little wiring.

86_302 · 02-03-2008, 03:36 PM

haha
it's not that i just want to keep it simple so that i can swap my 86 lights back if i ever wanted to

Peganit2 · 02-03-2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86_302

so maybe it won't function "exactly" like 80 lights but ill still have a backup light, a brake/running light, and a signal light... correct me if i'm wrong

Correct, you will have all the legal lights you need.

Jax Rhapsody · 02-05-2008, 02:37 AM

I agree. I had never knew the 79-82 lights where like that. with three bulbs and only two(so to speak) functions. I think that would be better than stock 80 tail light setup. I'd like to have some LED panels made for my car to replace those three bulbs.

KAILUAZ · 04-22-2008, 01:18 PM

86_302
Did you end up doing the swap? I'm thinking about doing the same thing.

Jax Rhapsody · 04-23-2008, 06:53 AM

and I seen some led bulb replacments too. but I forgot what website. Not bulbs but a whole circuitboard that goes in each section.

ChargedUp! · 04-23-2008, 08:42 PM

Just drill through the plate. You can take off the lever if you want but I've never gotten any grief over mine.

02-02-2008, 05:21 PM	#1
86_302 FEP Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 291	80 taillights i just found a great set of 1980 tail lights at the wreckers. i want to put them in my 86 because theres so much room between lenses and the license plate and i want to put my battery kill switch in there when the battey goes to the trunk. does anybody know if the screw in lights are the same in all mustangs back then? __________________ 1986 beige lx 5.0 conversion - 306ci. edelbrock 1.94 performer rpm aluminum heads, performer rpm airgap intake, performer rpm cam, roller rockers,moroso oil pan, edelbrock 600cfm carb, bbk shorties, offroad h-pipe, flowmaster 40 series mufflers 2.5 pipes, holley high flow fuel pump, T-5 tranny, 8.8 rear with 3.73 gears,aluminum rad, driveshaft loop, weld in sub-fram connectors, 5-bolt cragar SS wheels best run: 13.3 at 101.6mphhttp://www.youtube.com/jakesmustang1986

02-02-2008, 08:32 PM	#4
86_302 FEP Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 291	do you know whats involved in the changing the wiring? __________________ 1986 beige lx 5.0 conversion - 306ci. edelbrock 1.94 performer rpm aluminum heads, performer rpm airgap intake, performer rpm cam, roller rockers,moroso oil pan, edelbrock 600cfm carb, bbk shorties, offroad h-pipe, flowmaster 40 series mufflers 2.5 pipes, holley high flow fuel pump, T-5 tranny, 8.8 rear with 3.73 gears,aluminum rad, driveshaft loop, weld in sub-fram connectors, 5-bolt cragar SS wheels best run: 13.3 at 101.6mphhttp://www.youtube.com/jakesmustang1986

02-02-2008, 09:38 PM	#6
86_302 FEP Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 291	i havent had mine appart but i would think there are 3 bulbs in each light assembly just like these other ones? __________________ 1986 beige lx 5.0 conversion - 306ci. edelbrock 1.94 performer rpm aluminum heads, performer rpm airgap intake, performer rpm cam, roller rockers,moroso oil pan, edelbrock 600cfm carb, bbk shorties, offroad h-pipe, flowmaster 40 series mufflers 2.5 pipes, holley high flow fuel pump, T-5 tranny, 8.8 rear with 3.73 gears,aluminum rad, driveshaft loop, weld in sub-fram connectors, 5-bolt cragar SS wheels best run: 13.3 at 101.6mphhttp://www.youtube.com/jakesmustang1986

02-02-2008, 10:25 PM	#8
Peganit2 FEP Power Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Davison, Mi Posts: 1,075	The bolt mounting pattern is different and for me the deal breaker is that the cutout holes are different and the sealing will be affected. When I do this to my 86 I am seriously considering putting the taillight panel from an 82 on it. Radical I know but it would bother me. On the wiring I think all you have to do is lengthen or shorten some wires. __________________ Current list o' cars 87 hatch california car 94 SHO Taurus DD 96 Aerostar FH 77 HighBoy with a BBF Memorable cars from my past 69 stang sports roof 302 GT RARE! 63 XL Galaxie loaded 75 Torino with a BBF 80 Capri coupe 82 stang hatch Turbo conversion car 82 Escort with a 2.3 85 'stang coupe with a 4.6L 4V Cobra motor 85 LTD with a 302 67 'stang coupe roller 61 Starliner Galaxie with a 428 SCJ 72 'stang sport roof

02-03-2008, 10:46 AM	#10
86_302 FEP Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 291	so why cant i leave it and have one tail/stoplamp and one turn signal and one reverse light? 3 bulbs, 3 holes.. i dont see what the big deal is __________________ 1986 beige lx 5.0 conversion - 306ci. edelbrock 1.94 performer rpm aluminum heads, performer rpm airgap intake, performer rpm cam, roller rockers,moroso oil pan, edelbrock 600cfm carb, bbk shorties, offroad h-pipe, flowmaster 40 series mufflers 2.5 pipes, holley high flow fuel pump, T-5 tranny, 8.8 rear with 3.73 gears,aluminum rad, driveshaft loop, weld in sub-fram connectors, 5-bolt cragar SS wheels best run: 13.3 at 101.6mphhttp://www.youtube.com/jakesmustang1986

02-02-2008, 08:26 PM	#3
FoxChassis The Decoder Guy Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 13,208	Have to drill additional holes in the taillight panel (the metal frame that's part of the body that the taillights bolt to) and modify or change out the wiring.

02-02-2008, 08:43 PM	#5
FoxChassis The Decoder Guy Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 13,208	Remove the interior trim panels that cover the taillight panel and trace the taillight wiring harness back (towards the front of the car) to the first plug/connector. As long as the '79-'82 taillight harness has the same plug and the same wiring arrangement, it'll swap right over. If it's not the same you're going to be in for some fun.

02-02-2008, 09:46 PM	#7
FoxChassis The Decoder Guy Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 13,208	Yup, three each. But the function of the tailllamp, stoplamp, and turn signal is different for each.

02-02-2008, 11:30 PM	#9
FoxChassis The Decoder Guy Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 13,208	Negatory on the wiring change being that simple. Go look at the taillamp/stoplamp/turn signal arrangement and function of '79-'82 taillight wiring. Now go look at '83-'93 wiring. '79-'82 tails = TWO taillamps/stoplamps/turn signals '83-'93 tails = ONE taillamp/stoplamp and ONE turn signal In other words, the two '79-'82 bulbs work in unison as taillamps AND stoplamps AND turn signals, and the two '83-'93 bulbs don't (ONE is a taillamps and stoplamp and ONE is a turn signal). The "third" bulb is back-up/reverse. You have to modify the harness or change it.

02-03-2008, 12:16 PM	#11
Peganit2 FEP Power Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Davison, Mi Posts: 1,075	FoxChassis is right on this, for it to function as stock 80 taillights the wiring does need to be modified. BUT, you can have perfectly functioning taillights by just lengthening some of the wires. I try to avoid splicing wires if I can. You could probably take the tape off and find enough play in the wiring to avoid straining the connections, and avoid extra splices. __________________ Current list o' cars 87 hatch california car 94 SHO Taurus DD 96 Aerostar FH 77 HighBoy with a BBF Memorable cars from my past 69 stang sports roof 302 GT RARE! 63 XL Galaxie loaded 75 Torino with a BBF 80 Capri coupe 82 stang hatch Turbo conversion car 82 Escort with a 2.3 85 'stang coupe with a 4.6L 4V Cobra motor 85 LTD with a 302 67 'stang coupe roller 61 Starliner Galaxie with a 428 SCJ 72 'stang sport roof Last edited by Peganit2; 02-03-2008 at 12:24 PM. Reason: addendum

02-03-2008, 12:48 PM	#12
black1980fiveoh FEP Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: British Columbia Canada Posts: 666	I have seen what you are talking about at the drag strip. It was an 88-93 with 1979-82 taillights and the kill switch was clearly visable. I didn't notice if the lights worked. It did look like a street car. __________________ 1980 Cobra Clone http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364382 1981 Cobra (dust collector) http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2933624/1 2008 Ram 3500 Megacab http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3241506

02-03-2008, 03:30 PM	#13
86_302 FEP Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 291	so maybe it won't function "exactly" like 80 lights but ill still have a backup light, a brake/running light, and a signal light... correct me if i'm wrong __________________ 1986 beige lx 5.0 conversion - 306ci. edelbrock 1.94 performer rpm aluminum heads, performer rpm airgap intake, performer rpm cam, roller rockers,moroso oil pan, edelbrock 600cfm carb, bbk shorties, offroad h-pipe, flowmaster 40 series mufflers 2.5 pipes, holley high flow fuel pump, T-5 tranny, 8.8 rear with 3.73 gears,aluminum rad, driveshaft loop, weld in sub-fram connectors, 5-bolt cragar SS wheels best run: 13.3 at 101.6mphhttp://www.youtube.com/jakesmustang1986

02-03-2008, 03:33 PM	#14
tripice351 FEP Power Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 1,010	Cmon.. you've already done a 5.0 swap, don't be scared of a little wiring. __________________ Marc aka tripice351. 84.5 GT-350 2.3T, 89 Vert 5.0, 54 F-250 390FE, and a few more.. Please click here to check out my parts for sale on eBay.

02-03-2008, 03:36 PM	#15
86_302 FEP Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 291	haha it's not that i just want to keep it simple so that i can swap my 86 lights back if i ever wanted to __________________ 1986 beige lx 5.0 conversion - 306ci. edelbrock 1.94 performer rpm aluminum heads, performer rpm airgap intake, performer rpm cam, roller rockers,moroso oil pan, edelbrock 600cfm carb, bbk shorties, offroad h-pipe, flowmaster 40 series mufflers 2.5 pipes, holley high flow fuel pump, T-5 tranny, 8.8 rear with 3.73 gears,aluminum rad, driveshaft loop, weld in sub-fram connectors, 5-bolt cragar SS wheels best run: 13.3 at 101.6mphhttp://www.youtube.com/jakesmustang1986

02-05-2008, 02:37 AM	#17
Jax Rhapsody FEP Power Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Louisville,KY Posts: 1,903	I agree. I had never knew the 79-82 lights where like that. with three bulbs and only two(so to speak) functions. I think that would be better than stock 80 tail light setup. I'd like to have some LED panels made for my car to replace those three bulbs. __________________ http://images.laughingman1.multiply.com/logo/4 Laviathans Cave Foxy Lady, vote for her His Life as a...

04-22-2008, 01:18 PM	#18
KAILUAZ FEP Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: St Pete, FL via Kailua, HI Posts: 677	86_302 Did you end up doing the swap? I'm thinking about doing the same thing. __________________ 911 NEVER FORGET!! MILStang

04-23-2008, 06:53 AM	#19
Jax Rhapsody FEP Power Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Louisville,KY Posts: 1,903	and I seen some led bulb replacments too. but I forgot what website. Not bulbs but a whole circuitboard that goes in each section. __________________ http://images.laughingman1.multiply.com/logo/4 Laviathans Cave Foxy Lady, vote for her His Life as a...

04-23-2008, 08:42 PM	#20
ChargedUp! FEP Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 668	Just drill through the plate. You can take off the lever if you want but I've never gotten any grief over mine.

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