Yours is the 2nd year with the sequential blinking tail lights correct?
Correct. T-Birds had this as standard equipment starting in ’65 and ending with the ’68 model. When they worked as advertised, they were very cool. They were a PITA to troubleshoot though. Here's why:
The basic components of the T-Bird sequential turn signal and stoplight circuits were:
1. the turn signal switch, mounted on the steering column;
2. the turn signal indicator relay, mounted on the steering column support bracket;
3. the stoplight switch, mounted on the brake pedal support, and
4. the turn signal relay, stoplight relay and turn signal flasher and motor assembly which were wrapped in soundproof insulation and mounted in the trunk behind the left fender trim panel and the spare tire.
This flasher/motor assembly consisted of an electric motor, three cams on a shaft and three sets of contact points. The three cams are staggered, and each set of contacts is connected to one of the three rear light bulbs through the turn signal relay.
On mine, the sequentials worked for a while, but I eventually had to replace the flasher/motor assembly in the trunk. I ended up replacing all the stuff listed in #4 above with a solid-state aftermarket unit. Unless the car is flooded, that section at least should never fail.
Personal note: there is no doubt in my mind that that the wizkids at Dearborn hired Rube Goldberg to install this into the mid-sixties T-Birds. Same comment applies to the A/C and heater system.
As I read many of the things that go wrong on our Expeditions, it seems that Mr. Goldberg is still employed at Ford.