Dash Lights fail

[RichTXN]

I have a problem with my dash lights. After I turn my head lights on for five or ten minutes, the dash lights will suddenly go dark.

This does not effect the interior lights or the headlights, which all continue to function normally. Only the dash lights go dark and nothing I do (such as turning the lights on and off again) will light them up again.

But if I turn off the lights for a half hour or so, then the dash lights work again -- for five minutes or so until the fail and go dark once again.

Any thoughts?

[Joe Vandatta]

There is a rheostat integral with the head light switch that controls the brightness of the panel lights. It is probably the cause of your problem. I had a similar problem with my 66 and had to replace the headlight switch to fix it.
Joe

[RichTXN]

Boy, I sure know about that rheostat. The problem is that the '64 had a one-year switch -- they changed it subsequently. I've talked to Larry's out in CA and they advised me to clean my existing switch, which I did and it definitely helped with the brightness of the internal lights.

Do you think that electricity running through it causes it to heat up somehow and then shut off the dash lights?

Thanks for your advice. I really appreicate it.

[Joe Vandatta]

The rheostat will heat up because of the resistance in the unit, it is insulated to protect surounding componets. Once these little rascals start acting up you might as well get a new one--I had mine apart 2 or three times to no avail. Try the bird nest in Portland Or.800-232-6378.
Joe