Topic: Back up lights on a 1965 GT

[Bglover67]

Hey to all.  It's been a while since I've been on this great website.  I recently purchased a '65 GT convertible, and I'm trying to wade through all the misconceptions about the GT option as offered by the factory.  There are lot's of (well meaning?) websites that try to list what is and isn't included on a true GT, but even I can tell much of it is wrong.  One site did say that all factory 1965 GT's came without backup lights.  That didn't seem right to me, even though my car doesn't have them.  What's the current consensus on this?

Thanks,

Brian

[rocket289k]

Hi Brian,

1965 Mustang GTs were definitely available from the factory with backup lights.  Backup lights were an option in 1965 and were available from the factory on both GT and non-GT models for all body styles.  Backup lights became standard equipment on all models of Mustangs beginning with the 1966 model year. 

However, since backup lights were an option in 1965 it is more rare for a 1965 Mustang (GT or not) to come equipped from the factory with them.

Regards,


Ron

[196667Bob]

Brian : 65's aren't my specialty, nut I can provide the following ; unfortunately, nether my 1965 Ford Facts book (dated 8/64) nor my Salesman's Price Book (dated 9/25/64) even note the availability of the GT Option (it apparently came out later). However, the 1965 Mustang Sales Brochure (dated 4/65) does list it (copy attached). As you can see, Back-op Lights are not listed as being included with the GT Option (at least at the time of this brochure).
Remembering that Sales Brochures just give an idea of what was intended at the time of their printing, and are not considered "Gospel", I would look for further documentation  (a later Price Book, TSB, etc.) to confirm this.

Before Posting this, I remembered one other of my resources to check - my Ford Shop Tips. Sure enough, the last page of the May-June 1965 issue (copy attached)n introduces the Mustang GT Option.

Bob

P.S. Just to be clear, as rocket289k noted, Back-up Lights were available for all Mustangs in 1965, but not part of the GT Option.

[sgl66]

I'm trying to wade through all the misconceptions about the GT option as offered by the factory.  There are lot's of (well meaning?) websites that try to list what is and isn't included on a true GT, but even I can tell much of it is wrong.

Which sites are you looking at? Somewhere I have a list of about 25+ things that should or should not be found with a factory GT.

It looks like you have your answer on back up lights, keep in mind that a factory rear valence will have elongated mounting screw holes and a date stamp in the form of Month/day/shift up where the mounting screws are.

[jwc66k]

Ford offered backup lights as an option in 1965 (it was mandatory in 1966). Four taillight harnesses are listed in the 1965 Mustang Electrical Assembly manual (AM00008 page 24), two for hardtops and convertibles, and two for Fastbacks, one each of those for cars with the backup light option, one without. The 65 GT option did not have an effect on either. It was the rear bumper guards that were omitted with the GT option.
Jim

[Bglover67]

Here is one of the better sites:

http://www.kcode.net/GT65-66.htm

Another:

http://www.mustangdreams.com/Verify-1965-1966-Mustang-GT.htm

Another:

https://myrod.com/how-to-mustang-gt-verification-1965-1966/

Finally, here is where I read that:

http://www.mustang-s.com/years/1965/1965_mustang.htm

Scroll to the very bottom:

All regular production Mustang options are available with the hp engine except:

 A/C
3 speed manual
Cruise-O -Matic
Limited slip differential
Power steering
Rayon tires

All regular production Mustang options are available with the GT package except:

Back up lamps
Rocker panel molding
Power brakes
accent group
and options available with the hp engine.

[sgl66]

The first two links are good. The third is good too however today nearly all the parts shown are reproduced including the rear exhaust support plates and frame rails with bracing inside. There are many threads on this site comparing repo and OEM parts.

Interesting to see the video in # 3 where he pulled the original exhaust including the tips. I wonder if he knows the repo tips have a different outer ring than originals.

There are a few more details not covered in any of the links but collectively 1 - 3 cover most of the GT items. Build sheets and dealer paperwork of course are the best when available.

Link 4 has a few other questionable statements