I want to connect backup lights to my Tbird and the Thunderbird parts suppliers indicate the that they are wired to the FM transmission neutral safety switch. I tested the two terminals for power with the car in reverse and the ignition on but got nothing. I don't have a schematic diagram of the wiring only the 1957 Ford workshop manual and I can't find it in there. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction.

Hi Ian,
Here is a wiring diagram for the Back UP lights.
Hopefully this will get you started.
It is a big .jpg as I scanned it at 300 dpi to see the details so I added it as an attachment instead of an image.
I'm glad you had a good trip.


Jim
Norfolk, VA

"MABLE"
1956 Thunderbird Green / Brown Interior (ZE-XG)

"MEAN GREEN"
1956 Mainline (FG-BE)

Thanks Jim for the link. Unfortunately it only shows a pictorial image of the manual switch and what I need is the wiring for the auto trans as they are different.  What I probably need is the schematic diagram to tell me where to pick up the power when it is shifted into reverse.

My back up lights on my 59 ford are wired through the neutral safety switch but it only has power to the back up lights when the headlights are on. Check it again with the car in reverse, the key on, and the headlights on.

John F

Ballwin, MO

Thanks, didn't think of that. I'll try with the lights on.

All the early Tbirds had the power wire going to the headlight switch then to the switch on the trans and then to the lights.  There should be two wires from the switch - one to power (the light switch) and the other going aft.

The wiring for the backup light is black with a red tracer.

The wires for the back lights is part of the 14405 assembly which is also the rear light assembly.  The proper wires may be included in the assembly but not hooked up.
As was already mentioned, the lights (either the parking or head) must be on for the back up lights to work.
One modification that Tbird owners do is taking the wire off the headlight switch and putting it on the ignition switch, giving you power either all the time or  putting it on an accessory terminal and getting power only when the ignition is on.

If you got an early bird (57) I recommend you get the 57 Thunderbird Electrical Assembly Manual.  It shows all the electrical systems, where/how  they are installed  and gives all the color codes.




54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Still no power with the lights and ignition on. There are two wires under there that are black with a red trace but no power on either. It is difficult to get a good look under there but it does not look like factory connections so I'm starting to wonder if the fuse has been blown, where ever that might be. Unfortunately there is not a lot of room to see between the chassis and muffler. 

I have no power to any of the connections with lights on. I went over the switch with an ohm meter but could not find any change in or out of reverse. The only change I found was the two main screw terminals connect when it goes into neutral so now I'm very confused.

Hi  I was looking at that same elec. drwg. ( reprint from T-bird supplier) last night looking for the proper connections. If you look again view "A". it shows taking power from that bundle in the center of the dash....."connect to existing double connector part of 14444 assy." As far as I could figure out ,that is the headlight wiring. I know...still not much help. I haven't yet been able to find a pic of the  wiring right at an auto trans switch. I'll keep looking. Black with a red tracer seems to be the wires you're after.   B

Hi   just found this shifter with a switch that has 4 connections,  maybe you need a different switch altogether.     I'll clean it up and check the wire colors. B