Topic: Backup Light Grommet hole in Trunk Dropoffs

[bryancobb]

I'd like a picture of the correct location and size of the hole for the Backup Light wiring grommet, in both trunk dropoffs.

MAR 1966 Metuchen Convertible.

THANKS IN ADVANCE.

[J_Speegle]

Best I've got available at the moment. Sorry don't have the car so can't measure for size

[midlife]

Be aware that all repro backup light harnesses have the wrong sized grommet (too big) and don't fit the stock hole.

[J_Speegle]

Be aware that all repro backup light harnesses have the wrong sized grommet (too big) and don't fit the stock hole.

Only because they copied later service replacement (NOS) ones as usual

[midlife]

So why were the service replacement versions so badly out of shape?  Didn't Ford know better, or were they used on other models with perhaps bigger holes in the drop-off panels?  Were the mechanics expected to drill out the holes to a larger size?  For some, you can't do that because the exhaust pipes are in the way of the drill.

[CharlesTurner]

The 67-68 style back-up lights used the larger grommet, so I can only assume that there was a mix-up with the 65-66 style and a bunch got made wrong.

A simple solution is to remove the grommet from old original wiring and install on new.  Or, if the whole wiring piece is good on and original light, remove the socket and reinstall on a new chrome housing.  I've done this several time with nice results.

[bryancobb]

Thanks Jeff,

I can actually scale that pic into AutoCad and pull some dimensions in perspective to get pretty accurate.

[midlife]

The 67-68 style back-up lights used the larger grommet, so I can only assume that there was a mix-up with the 65-66 style and a bunch got made wrong.

A simple solution is to remove the grommet from old original wiring and install on new.  Or, if the whole wiring piece is good on and original light, remove the socket and reinstall on a new chrome housing.  I've done this several time with nice results.

I'd like to know how you can install wires into an un-cut grommet without cutting/splicing the wires somewhere...

[J_Speegle]

I'd like to know how you can install wires into an un-cut grommet without cutting/splicing the wires somewhere...

I've gotten the grommet to spread far enough to pass over the double plug for back up lights

[bryancobb]

I'd like to know how you can install wires into an un-cut grommet without cutting/splicing the wires somewhere...

Ever seen that super-duty, TINY little rubber-band with the 1/16" hole in the middle stretch out over a bull's 6" diameter scrotum? 

[midlife]

I'd sure like some info on where I could find that device!  I sure could use it in my shop.

The rest of you: get your minds out of the gutter, will ya?

[J_Speegle]

Anyway, I have a '68 which may be similar..................

Unfortunately they are not the same- IF you notice above Charles mentioned that they are very different in size so its not a good reference for this question. But thanks for trying

[jwc66k]

I asked a member on the HiPo forum who has an easily accessed drop-off panel without a harness to measure the hole and his reply was 0.460 inch, about 1/2 inch.
I looked at my 66 "K" car and can't figure out how to punch a hole in the drop-off for the grommet if I had to (as in no hole and I need one). On the other hand, on a car with an existing grommet hole, an appropiate Greenlee punch could be used to make a bigger hole for the replacement harness's grommet.
Jim

[bryancobb]

I asked a member on the HiPo forum who has an easily accessed drop-off panel without a harness to measure the hole and his reply was 0.460 inch, about 1/2 inch.
I looked at my 66 "K" car and can't figure out how to punch a hole in the drop-off for the grommet if I had to (as in no hole and I need one). On the other hand, on a car with an existing grommet hole, an appropiate Greenlee punch could be used to make a bigger hole for the replacement harness's grommet.
Jim

If you are 100% determined to punch the hole instead of drilling and enlarging with a Dremel tool, then this tool would work if the right size can be found.
You drill a small hole for the bolt first.

[Bob Gaines]

I asked a member on the HiPo forum who has an easily accessed drop-off panel without a harness to measure the hole and his reply was 0.460 inch, about 1/2 inch.
I looked at my 66 "K" car and can't figure out how to punch a hole in the drop-off for the grommet if I had to (as in no hole and I need one). On the other hand, on a car with an existing grommet hole, an appropiate Greenlee punch could be used to make a bigger hole for the replacement harness's grommet.
Jim

Jim , you might try a chassis punch that electricians use . After a initial small pilot hole they cut a clean larger hole after the half's of the dies are screwed together . Just a thought. -Bryan posted a picture of one while i was typing.