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SAAC Forum => SAAC Forum Discussion Area => Topic started by: Calypso Coral on June 16, 2023, 02:45:37 PM

Title: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: Calypso Coral on June 16, 2023, 02:45:37 PM
My 69 GT500 has dim turn signal first bulb in the series on either side is the brightest, but still dim. The remainder are barely noticeable. Brake and stop lights are fine. Inspected the grounds and even introduced an external ground, but still dim. Replaced bulbs and no change, Any insight?
Thanks
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: propayne on June 16, 2023, 04:05:54 PM
This may be an option - Don at WCCC also has a video on YouTube about these.

https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/14756/10033/plasma-led-1157-bulb-red-6-pack-new-1967-1973-mercury-cougar-1967-1973-ford-mustang.html?sessionthemeid=26

- Phillip
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: Cobrask8 on June 17, 2023, 09:43:46 AM
A regular topic, and usually the same culprits:

Low battery/Charging system
Dirty or painted grounds
dirty/corroded wire harness connections in WHOLE car
inadequate battery grounding
Old weak battery
Burned contacts on turn signal switch
Seq unit in trunk has issues (Usually just a go/no go)
Toasted flasher (Replace with EL-12 relay flasher)

Get out the wire brush and contact cleaner, get to work, and after check with engine running.

Dan
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: gt350bp on June 17, 2023, 12:20:07 PM
My 68KR had the same issues and I contacted Vic at Cougars Unlimited, and he fixed me up with two flashers and new LED bulbs. Big difference but still need to have the engine running for all bulbs to flash and be bright.

Don
gt350bp
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: Calypso Coral on June 18, 2023, 07:43:43 AM
I appreciate all the suggestions. Grounds are fine, first thing I checked, battery fairly new and fully charged. I'll look into the other suggestions.
Thanks
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: Calypso Coral on June 26, 2023, 12:26:22 PM
Cobrask8, where can I find the article (On the blink) online? I tried downloading the images, but they are not so legible.
Thanks
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: shelbydoug on June 26, 2023, 12:37:34 PM
It seems that the brightness just dims with time no matter what solution you try.

It does have to do with insufficient grounding of the system but the question is exactly where.

I installed a system made by the Mustang Project. It fixes the problem with one "little" change. You loose the quick flash through the brake light as the original system did.

In questioning that change, ironically they said that they were told by "an expert" that the brakes were not supposed to do that so they took it out of the system "at much effort!"

The sequentials work perfectly though and the lights are nice and bright. No longer do you loose sight of the lights in the bright sun light.

Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: 5s386 on June 26, 2023, 12:50:35 PM

I just purchased a LED rear brake light system and it works great! Not cheap, but satisfied.
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: mr68shelby on June 26, 2023, 12:54:20 PM
The wiring harness from the dash to the rear of the car was the problem on my brother's car. Mike
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: Calypso Coral on June 26, 2023, 02:09:18 PM
Appreciate all the help. I can tell you replacing the bulbs to 1157 Led equivalent works for driving lights, but not brake and turn signals without some modification.
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: Cobrask8 on June 26, 2023, 02:38:45 PM
Calypso,

I wrote that almost 20 years ago! PM me with your e-mail, and I'll send to you

During my years as a tech editor for Hemmings.

Dan
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: shelbymann1970 on June 26, 2023, 03:23:30 PM
 I got LEDs  in my 70 and they work GREAT and are MUCH safer if you drive your car. I bought my kit  from a Cougar source but all the Cougar vendors were on top of these being made IIRC. Shelby compared to my Mach!   https://www.ebay.com/itm/274235401562?fits=Year%3A1969%7CModel%3ACougar&hash=item3fd9b4255a:g:dJAAAOSw69teMMNB&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8DOhPFVsWs35ddC5ZuWVFbwLjCF%2Bm69E46E5WzFF%2BYRipb4VxVR8W2s5UoAXryUIM3QGsWAa28ES4o1HYbY9s1UUEWkOOXrevtamBA27X8juT8XPQ9wLqvtxfv4S1T6TfVHS%2F9hle6Ew1m29Bc%2FjCBkhtXARdnmtRUlWveEHJ%2Bpr1c0b5i93mT6XbQU0WvzsSQcsD78zPWfpom5ytWvn7IrfhejSjqkP9WEQHAl0C2zVBiD4JZ1PRIodVMXD5TkwQba85rOD56rermATv2udN%2FZ1sFKDASqAFB%2FfsxUloDgY8GR4AapeX9gu4%2BpFUdRh6A%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6C235KfYg
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: 69 GT350 Vert on June 27, 2023, 07:53:28 AM
Often, the alternator doesn't charge the battery at idle speed.  The alternators in the link below work well and have a smaller pulley that allows charging at idle.  The OEM length belt wasn't too long and adjusted just fine.  Made in ohio and under $100.

https://www.tuffstuffperformance.com/i-24486283-alternator-70-amp-oem-wire-v-grove-pulley-external-regulator-factory-cast-plus-7078.html?ref=category:1267421
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: shelbymann1970 on June 27, 2023, 08:00:04 AM
Quote from: 69 GT350 Vert on June 27, 2023, 07:53:28 AM
Often, the alternator doesn't charge the battery at idle speed.  The alternators in the link below work well and have a smaller pulley that allows charging at idle.  The OEM length belt wasn't too long and adjusted just fine.  Made in ohio and under $100.

https://www.tuffstuffperformance.com/i-24486283-alternator-70-amp-oem-wire-v-grove-pulley-external-regulator-factory-cast-plus-7078.html?ref=category:1267421
NPD sells them according to their dealer locator-at least the one in Mi. I'm thinking of buying a Jack Brooks Dead Nuts on Alternator. I wonder if anyone here has used one? I got zero issues though with my electronic LED setup.
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: 69 GT350 Vert on June 27, 2023, 08:35:54 AM
I have been running a dead nuts on alternator for 11 years without any problems.  However it is only 55amps and didn't charge at idle speed. 

Summit sells the tuff stuff alternators.  They also make excellent starters.
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: shelbymann1970 on June 27, 2023, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: 69 GT350 Vert on June 27, 2023, 08:35:54 AM
I have been running a dead nuts on alternator for 11 years without any problems.  However it is only 55amps and didn't charge at idle speed. 

Summit sells the tuff stuff alternators.  They also make excellent starters.
Thanks for the heads up
Title: Re: Dim Sequential Tail Lights
Post by: Bob Gaines on June 27, 2023, 01:13:24 PM
Quote from: shelbymann1970 on June 27, 2023, 08:00:04 AM
Quote from: 69 GT350 Vert on June 27, 2023, 07:53:28 AM
Often, the alternator doesn't charge the battery at idle speed.  The alternators in the link below work well and have a smaller pulley that allows charging at idle.  The OEM length belt wasn't too long and adjusted just fine.  Made in ohio and under $100.

https://www.tuffstuffperformance.com/i-24486283-alternator-70-amp-oem-wire-v-grove-pulley-external-regulator-factory-cast-plus-7078.html?ref=category:1267421
NPD sells them according to their dealer locator-at least the one in Mi. I'm thinking of buying a Jack Brooks Dead Nuts on Alternator. I wonder if anyone here has used one? I got zero issues though with my electronic LED setup.
If you want a alternator that performs as well or better as factory and also looks historically correct then Dead nuts on alternator is hard to beat IMO. If you don't care about looks and price is a concern then there are other alternatives