New owner
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7
From: Virginia
New owner
Hi everyone,
Just got my '66 Mustang. Always wanted one but never could find one I liked. Just starting the restoration process and not really sure where to start. I can list a few things right now:
1: Instrument backlighting dim. The gauges get dimmer as you go from right to left and the speedometer is almost completely unusable at night. Light rheostat doesn't seem to effect it.
2: interior wiring. The wiring under the dash seems to have all. Kinds of wires that are either terminated into a plastic termination or are clipped/broken. Was told that that kind of harness would cost big bucks. Does anyone know if this is true?
3: specks in exhaust. Had the car idling in the driveway and saw it was leaving black specks on the ground behind the pipes. Also with that, seems to have white smoke with it and I can smell fuel. Any info on that would be very helpful.
I'll stick with those for right now so I don't post a huge laundry list but I'm glad that I have this car. By the way, not very familiar with cars or mechanical knowledge, I work on avionics for a living with the Navy so if you could kinda explain if it's mechanical that would be great.
Just got my '66 Mustang. Always wanted one but never could find one I liked. Just starting the restoration process and not really sure where to start. I can list a few things right now:
1: Instrument backlighting dim. The gauges get dimmer as you go from right to left and the speedometer is almost completely unusable at night. Light rheostat doesn't seem to effect it.
2: interior wiring. The wiring under the dash seems to have all. Kinds of wires that are either terminated into a plastic termination or are clipped/broken. Was told that that kind of harness would cost big bucks. Does anyone know if this is true?
3: specks in exhaust. Had the car idling in the driveway and saw it was leaving black specks on the ground behind the pipes. Also with that, seems to have white smoke with it and I can smell fuel. Any info on that would be very helpful.
I'll stick with those for right now so I don't post a huge laundry list but I'm glad that I have this car. By the way, not very familiar with cars or mechanical knowledge, I work on avionics for a living with the Navy so if you could kinda explain if it's mechanical that would be great.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 240
From:
Need to post pics please and some more info about it engine size, mileage was it rebuilt that you know of?
the Gauge cluster probably has some bulbs out you can replace them but you have to remove the cluster to get at them the speedometer cable will make it a pain,
the wiring on a 66 mustang is moduler its plug togeher with black plastic coated bullet plug you can get a orig style harness for you can go with new style blade fused harness for 800-900 for the whole thing.
so it spit black fleck all the time or just when warming up? also with the smoke it could be condensation and will go away when warmed up and all water is out of the exhaust pipe. it could also be running rich.
Welcome to the forums!
the Gauge cluster probably has some bulbs out you can replace them but you have to remove the cluster to get at them the speedometer cable will make it a pain,
the wiring on a 66 mustang is moduler its plug togeher with black plastic coated bullet plug you can get a orig style harness for you can go with new style blade fused harness for 800-900 for the whole thing.
so it spit black fleck all the time or just when warming up? also with the smoke it could be condensation and will go away when warmed up and all water is out of the exhaust pipe. it could also be running rich.
Welcome to the forums!
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7
From: Virginia
Just noticed a new issue. Taillights are staying on even if the car is off. Just started happening today and the only way I got them to turn off is hitting the brake pedal until they weren't on anymore. Should I be looking at the pedal itself or maybe a switch that turns on the break lights? Could this possibly be a part of the other electrical problems that I am seeing?
4th Gear Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,424
From: Birmingham, Alabama
The wiring in my 69 look like a birds nest and the insulation was just crumbling in my hands. I opted to replace all the wiring and my mechanic found a complete wiring harness for it at $500. It is not a name brand (Painless, American Autowire) but seems very straightforward as to putting it in.
Next time you are out and about take the time to park it in the driveway and see if you are still having the white smoke/black flakes.
One of the first things I would suggest doing is finding a local mustang club to join there is usually a wealth of knowledgeable people that can help with the small and big stuff.
Because of my brother's connections in a local club I found a mechanic that specializes in classic mustangs (works on everything though) and it was the best thing that could have happened for me.
Next time you are out and about take the time to park it in the driveway and see if you are still having the white smoke/black flakes.
One of the first things I would suggest doing is finding a local mustang club to join there is usually a wealth of knowledgeable people that can help with the small and big stuff.
Because of my brother's connections in a local club I found a mechanic that specializes in classic mustangs (works on everything though) and it was the best thing that could have happened for me.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7
From: Virginia
Yea I actually just found out there is a mustang club around where I live so I'm trying to get contact info for them.
I've been looking at painless performance and american auto wire and it seems pretty simple. Hopefully I get the harness soon. Thank you for the inputs it really helps out
I've been looking at painless performance and american auto wire and it seems pretty simple. Hopefully I get the harness soon. Thank you for the inputs it really helps out
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7
From: Virginia
What harness did you get exactly? I'm hearing that there are 2 of them, the instrument harness and the main harness that connects everything. Do you have any info on how I can get them both in the same purchase or if they are in fact 2 separate harnesses?
4th Gear Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,424
From: Birmingham, Alabama
I went with the full wiring harness to solve all the current and future electrical gremlins. Once I am done with my car I want to be able to drive it without worrying about any major problems.
When I do have problems I have AAA. 8)
When I do have problems I have AAA. 8)