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[bandit1]

I have a 1966 Mustang (Convertible/Straight-6/200 CID/Autolite 1100 Carburetor/C-4 Automatic Transmission). I have replaced the spark plugs, spark plug wires, points/condenser/rotor, and set the points gap. My next step is to set the ignition timing. I would like to know what the correct timing is. I've looked online and have seen 6 degrees, but I've also seen 12 degrees. The current timing appears to be set at 8 degrees. Also, what is the best method to set the timing? I've heard of static timing and dynamic timing. Thank you.

[keiken01]

I have both a Clymer and Chilton Mustang 1964-1973 manuals and both of them say 12 degrees for a 1966 6 cylinder with automatic.

[bandit1]

Thanks.  I found a timing light in my basement. My late father used it. I've never used it, so I looked online for information. It has 3 wires (red- which I clamped to the positive terminal on the battery; black- the ground wire; small clamp- clamped over spark plug wire #1).  When I tried it, I did not see any light coming from it. What should I do or do differently?

[Soaring]

You should throw that timing light away and go buy a new one.  Obviously that one is shot.  You had it hooked up right. 
Your initial timing should be about 10-12 BTDC, then tweak it by ear from there. 

[bandit1]

Thanks.

[keiken01]

Did the timing light have a trigger or switch?  Mine has a trigger, so I'd hate to see you toss it because you didn't know.

[bandit1]

It has a trigger.

[bandit1]

Here is a photo of it.

[keiken01]

If your red and black clamps were on tight and the pickup clamp was around the #1 plug wire, the vacuum advance tube was pulled and plugged, the engine was running, you pulled the trigger and got no light then the light is burnt out or the device is trash...likely the latter.

Not questioning your intelligence, just trying to be clear on the steps since you stated you'd never used one before.

Here's the cheapest timing light I could find online.  I'm sure you can find one from a local retailer for under $35.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3343

[66GTKFB]

Try it on another car.
Jim

[Soaring]

A burnt out timing light is a burnt out timing light Jim.  Changing cars ain't gonna automatically make that timing light work again. 

[66GTKFB]

But if it don't work on a known good car, it will verify that the light is NFG.
Jim

[Soaring]

AHA!

[66GTKFB]

It's all that stuff you learn in e-e-e-lectronics skule.
Jim

[Soaring]

Well, Uncle Sam sent me to electronics school back during Nam. Fort Monmouth, NJ for 6 months.  We built super hetrodynes, then moved on to working on the Philips microwave radios.  Big clystron tubes and we had to test each and every tube when the line went down.  Now, with the new radios, you just pull out a shelf that is lit red and throw another one in and you are back on line.  I just assumed the car was OK, and that the timing light was FUBAR.  I guess now I know what assuming does.