How to Install LED Taillights on a 1965-1966 Mustang

When it comes to basic installs for your classic Mustang, we always get questions about LED taillights. LED taillights can improve safety on the road and enhance your 1965-1966 Mustang’s appearance. They’re an affordable and easy way to add a touch of modern to your classic pony. Best of all, the whole installation only takes about an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In the steps below, we’ll show you how to install this LED taillight kit for 1965-1966 Mustangs. The kit comes with new chrome bezels, body pads, gaskets, taillight assemblies, and a new flasher for the LEDs.

These taillights have 68 LED bulbs, so they’ll be way brighter than OEM. The best part about these taillights? They’re direct fit replacements for a plug-and-play installation.

Required Tools:

• Phillips Screwdriver
• Razor Blade/Scraper

Step 1: Remove Taillight Bezel & Lens

Starting on one side, remove the old taillight bezel and lens. There are four screws on the outside, one in each corner. Remove each screw using a Phillips screwdriver. Hang on to the screws as you’ll need to reuse them for the new taillights. Then, simply pop the bezel and lens off the car.

Step 2: Remove Gasket

Remove the old gasket that was underneath the bezel. If there’s any gunk left, scrape it off using a razor blade. It doesn’t have to be perfect but you don’t want to have any big chunks either.

Step 3: Replace Body Pad (Optional)

The taillight kit comes with a body pad, which is the foam that goes underneath the taillight housing. As long as your old taillights are working and the taillight bodies are in good shape, you don’t have to worry about replacing the body housing or pads. If you want to replace the pad, you can detach the housing by removing the hardware from inside the trunk.

Step 4: Connect Wiring Harness

Grab the wiring harness to connect it to the factory socket. Push it in and turn just like you would a normal bulb. Make sure it locks in place.

Step 5: Test Before Reassembly

Before putting the taillight back together, it’s a good idea to give the light a quick test to make sure it’s working. If it’s not, simply pull out the socket, turn it 180 degrees, and reinstall.

Step 6: Add Gasket

Slide the new gasket over the taillight housing and align properly before placing the lens back on.

Step 7: Install New Bezel

Install the new chrome taillight bezels using the four screws you saved from Step 1. We recommend getting all the screws started before tightening them down.

Step 8: Repeat Process on Other Side

After you’ve got one side done, repeat the same process on the other side.

Step 9: Disconnect Old Flasher

Since LEDs draw a lot less current than the factory bulbs, some kits come with a new flasher. You’ll want to remove the factory flasher and replace it with the new one. The factory flasher is located behind the driver’s side front air vent. Reach up to pull it out of the clip, then disconnect the old flasher.

Step 10: Connect New Flasher

With the old flasher removed, you can now connect the new flasher. Once it’s plugged in, clip it back into the factory location.

Step 11: Ground Flasher Wire

Take the flasher wire and ground it to complete the installation.

Considerations for Your Taillight Install

When it comes to replacing your classic Mustang’s taillights, you’ve got options. LED taillights are a great restomod option that can add modern styling and enhance safety. But for a truer restoration, you may want to go with OEM replacements instead. Either way, swapping out any broken or dim lights with new ones will increase your pony’s curb appeal. For more classic Mustang how-to guides, check out:

• How to Install a Radiator on a 1965-1966 Mustang
• Front and Rear Bumper Install on a 1965-1966 Mustang
• Classic Mustang LED Headlight Install
• Classic Mustang LED Parking Light Install
• Classic Mustang LED Backup Light Install
• Classic Mustang Fog Lights Install

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Please Note: This guide is a tool to help you install parts on your vehicle. If you don’t feel confident performing this installation on your own, please have a professional install the parts for you.