I think all 66 had reverse lights (or were supposed to, maybe some slipped through...) The rear valance is commonly damaged and replaced and you can get repros with no holes. Maybe someone decided to delete them.

 

Check for reverse light switch and wiring. As far as I know all 66 had them. Could be that someone liked the "cleaner" look with out them.

 

Back-up lights were mandatory in 1966. Someone removed them.

 

Bugger, that’s probably what happened. The car is recently painted (prior to my ownership), I bet somebody put in the rear panel sans reverse light holes.

Now the question becomes... what’s the best was to cut holes in the rear valance without totally mucking it up?

 

I’m one of those weirdos who deleted them on my 66. I just think it looks cleaner that way.

I wouldn’t bother trying to cut holes in new paint to reinstall. Not worth it. Heck, you own the car and didn’t know they were gone.

 

Now the question becomes... what’s the best was to cut holes in the rear valance without totally mucking it up?


Ideally, buy a new valance with the holes already in it, have it painted to match, and install it and new lights. The new panels and lights are relatively cheap. You could cut holes in your existing panel, but odds are the paint will get boogered up.... unless you're very careful, slow, and lucky! lol

 

Now the question becomes... what’s the best was to cut holes in the rear valance without totally mucking it up?


Ideally, buy a new valance with the holes already in it, have it painted to match, and install it and new lights. The new panels and lights are relatively cheap. You could cut holes in your existing panel, but odds are the paint will get boogered up.... unless you're very careful, slow, and lucky! lol

Or, you can do what was done for 1965's. See attached.

Bob

 

You can buy a license plate frame with reverse lights built in if you want to have them. I probably wouldn't mess with a painted car to install them.

If you wanted to put them back, then cover the area with blue tape and make some cut templates.
Then use a dremel tool to cut them in and take your time.

 

"Back-up lights were mandatory in 1966. Someone removed them."

+1.

Yep.

You may want to ask why you have a different valance panel without the backup lights... Was the car hit in the rear?!?!?? Was Dual Exhaust added?!??! You have to investigate these things...

)

Tony K.

 

I was thinking 65's with the GT dual exhaust didn't have reverse lights. I've seen an unrestored coupe like this before. Is it possible the car is an early 66 and got the older valence?

 

GT-ness had nothing to do with it. Back-up lights were optional in 1965, regardless of trim or engine.

No. 1966 Mustangs were mandated with back-ups. Even Ford would be unlikely to commit a violation just to use up some valence panels. Such parts would have been converted to Service Replacement inventory.

 

Makes sense. I didn't know the law changed to mandate the lights.

With cars this old, it's hard to image what previous owners have done to repair them.

 

I have done it with a fine blade in a sabre saw. Tape the panel, draw the hole. Tape the bottom of the saw, too, for extra protection.

 

I have a 65 without reverse lights. Doesn't seem to be an issue not having them, but then again I'm not driving it at night, or a dark rainy night at that.

Check out this ad on Portland craigslist. I'd buy one of these and get it repainted and instal the lights that way if you really want them.

https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/d/mustang-rear-valances/6504349555.html

 

Mine was replaced with a C5ZZ panel and had crude torch blown cutouts for the lights, couldnt tell until the houses were removed.

Make sure your wires and reverse switch are up there somewhere or it might be more trouble than its worth to you.

 

Just wanted to post an update on this...

Got everything installed last night. I taped over where I was going to drill holes in the valance, I set the template up there to mark the hole locations, then started drilling! I drilled the smaller screw holes first then the large hole with a hole saw. I didn’t muck up the paint too bad... at least my scratches will be hidden by the light housings. ? I plugged everything in and they look and work great!

 

I drive a 1965 without backup lights. Is the wiring present on the 1965 that came from the factory without backup lights? Or do the cables have to be installed afterwards? Maybe someone also drives a 1965 without backup lights and has figured it out.

 

My '66 GT has them, as well as the exhaust ports in the valance.