No matter how far we prefer to stick our heads up our hoods, we all need some exterior flair. For several years, I’ve contributed How-To write-ups to numerous publications, namely Mustang Monthly. With the help of photographer/writer Jim Smart, these articles have proven helpful to countless readers and enthusiasts.
For the classic Mustang enthusiast looking to install that added flair to the rear, I’ve outlined the process of installing a classic Mustang sequential taillight system from Scott Drake Mustang Parts. All photos were taken in my shop,
Marlo's Frame & Alignment.
This sequential taillight system from Scott Drake Mustang Parts includes three-lamp taillight buckets, 1157 bulbs, wiring harnesses, two sequential electronic turn-signal modules, variable flasher unit, and polycarbonate taillight lenses specifically engineered to handle the heat exerted by the three 1157 bulbs.
The Drake system is superior to others with its solid-state circuitry, free of any mechanical relays, servos, motors, or cams. They have two duplicate modules which each sequence the lamps separately. The 1-2-3 pace of the lights can be fully adjusted by loosening or tightening the screws, or rheostats, within the modules. One of these rheostats affects the length of lighting in of the initial lamp while the other controls the speed of the sequencing between the three lamps.
Power comes from a module that only operates while the ignition’s on, so you’ll need to run a separate power source for this project. I suggest using the lead in the fuse box and branching it out into two leads to flow to the two modules in the trunk area. This should take care of the brake light operation, but if you need to operate the emergency flashers, you must first replace the stock flashers with flasher modules for both the turn signals and emergency flashers. Be sure to keep the stock flashers if you need to illuminate bulbs individually.
The turn-signal-flasher module, also known as the “electronic variable flasher,” can be inserted into the factory turn-signal-flasher area. Plug in the flasher and connect the black ground lead to a suitable ground nearby.
1. First, we removed the factory taillight lenses. It’s pretty straight forward.
2. We then disconnected the taillight plugs. Regardless of your Mustang’s plug type, you will cut the leads to allow for the installation of the sequential turn-signal harness.
3. Next, remove the taillamp assemblies by unfastening the four insulated tinnerman’s nuts.
4. Be sure to use these foam gaskets between the body and taillamp. The Scott Drake Mustang Parts system we used went in smoothly as pictured. Note: you can set-up the wire leads before or after the lamp installation (this step).
5. Here’s how the taillamps look when installed. Naturally, the left turn-signal sequences from right to left and the right turn-signal flashes from right to left. When the ignition is turned on, they sequence when the brakes are engaged. When the parking lamps or headlamps are on, all six lamps are illuminated.
6. Just as you took them out, the four insulated tinnerman’s nuts can be refastened to secure the new lamp.
7. Each one of the taillamp wiring setups has its own specific color code. For both sides, the three red wires run the parking lamps. The remaining blue, white and yellow wires on the right side are used for brake and turn-signal illumination. Each taillamp assembly consists of three 1157 lamps, which each consist of two filaments: one dim and one bright. The dim filaments run to the parking lamps and the bright filaments run to the brake and turn-signal lights.
8. The left side wiring contains a different color code combination, aside from the red wires that run the parking lamps. The left side’s brake and turn-signal wires are green, gray and orange to prevent confusion with the right side’s wiring.
9. Finally, be sure to adjust the rheostats within each turn-signal module to cater to your preferred rate of flashing. Refer to the introduction for explanation of the functionality of the two rheostats.
Linear Mode
