1963 Dash Lights Question

[Gerald C.]

I replaced the dash cluster bulbs in my friends 1963. Everything went smoothly, not easily as many of you can expect, but easily. When we put the lights on in the dash, no dash lights came on. The turn signals worked fine as well as the high beam indicator. The Parking brake light came on also. In addition the LIGHTS indicator did not light even though the buckets were closed. Headlights, parking lights and brake lights all worked. The ground leads are in place.

No fuses blown either.

Any thoughts as to why the dash lights and the LIGHTS indicator aren't working??

Thanks,

Jerry

[James W.]

Re: 1963 Dash Lights Question

Bad headlight switch/reostat?

[Gerald C.]

Re: 1963 Dash Lights Question

James,

I don't think so, but I will try another headlight switch in the morning. Thanks for your response.

Jerry

[Bob R.]

Re: 1963 Dash Lights Question

Jerry I just had my dash apart and had a similar problem when I put it back in. Turned out it was the headlight switch.

[Gerald C.]

Re: 1963 Dash Lights Question

Bob,

I have a good used switch that I'm going to use in his car and hopefully that will fix the problem.

Thanks

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Dash Lights Question

i would make sure, first thing, that your headlight switch connector is completely seated onto the switch; those can go on slightly cocked and feel like they are fully seated when they are not... I would also check that none of the connector's internal electrical terminals got pushed back into the plastic housing. I actually had that happen not long ago.

If it IS the headlight switch and an original one (with the rheostat wafer in front) and the dimmer wire isn't broken you can disassemble and rebuild them...

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Dash Lights Question

All good advice Jerry,just to add to the problem is a bent terminal on switch can happen when reinstalling the connector. Good luck

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Dash Lights Question

There is no real connection between the dash warning "LIGHTS" flashing bulb and the instrument "gray wire" gauge lights besides:

a) grounds, and,
b) the headlight switch...

Focus on those areas.