I have a base model 71 Mav that is almost completely converted to a Grabber Clone. I am adding the grille lamps and wanted to double check w/ the all knowing crowd to see if my idea is solid... I was just going to wire them off of the side marker lamps since I would want them on all the time and not to blink since I am leaving the OEM turn signals in place. Splicing-in the wiring is nothing, but I thought it might be wise to include a relay just in case. Oh... I am also switching it all to LEDs so the power draw should be minimal. I checked over the site and didn't see any articles... but that doesn't mean they aren't on here... ... and I do have the OEM wiring for the grille lamps... It's the main harness that is not equipped, and also not getting replaced since it is already correct for other things like stick shift and A/C... All feed back is greatly appreciated!
Your idea is good but you may want to change your wiring . On my 71 the side marker flash with the turn sig. I would wire your sport lamps via a relay form the park light IF they stay on when the head light are on . If they don't then get your power wire of the head light switch via a relay. jay
If the lamps you are installing are LED lamps you won't need a relay. They draw a lot less power than the normal bulbs do.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm gonna have to check. I thought the side markers stayed lit all the time. Unfortunately, I have the car all apart and can't check it right now ( putting in a core support and fixing the fender apron ). I'm starting to use all LEDs in cars that I don't care about originality. I did the sequential LED swap on my 67 Mustang fastback and xenon headlamps.... and loved it. So I also added LED plamps and halogen back up lights. Now I gotta figure out how to upgrade the fog lights in the grill on that one The Cyclone Spoilers will retain all OEM lighting, as will the Cougar G... Everything else is fair game
Some side markers flash and some do not. Have not been able to determine why. None of mine flash. But anyway, there is a 10 amp, built in circuit breaker in your light switch. From the factory, the 71-72 cars had the lamps running through a relay so they did not overload the circuit breaker. They tied the running and turn filaments together so the lights were a bit brighter. Starting in 73, they separated the filaments and so only the running filament is on continuously. Therefore, the relay was not needed. So I would add a relay to your circuit. I found out the hard way.
Ah yes, the mystery of the flashing side markers. A friend's 72 Grabber will or will not flash the side markers on turn signal depending if the headlights are on or not. :confused:
LOL... sounds like a known constant power source will be in order... Was hoping to do this while the front is off, but I guess I'll wait. My 70 Cyclone, they stay on all the time, but I guess the Mav could be wired different and won't know 'til after it is back together. Thanks again. I'll snap some shots and do a tech article when I finally get around to it.
