Jim78

There is a metal shield around the bulb on the shifter that has a small hole in the top to direct the light to the plastic shift indicator. If this shield is not in place, the bulb will light up a much larger area. That would seem to be the case in this photo.

Try the bulb in one of the taillight sockets. It's possible that the bulb is defective.

You may find some help here... https://studebaker-info.org/Tech/Diagrams/AEC/aec.html

IIRC, there are screws buried in the carpet. Not easy to find.

Yes. I'm running 134A in my '78.

As you note, there is no binary pressure switch in the system. I added one in my system when I changed the compressor. The brown wire is direct from the thermostatic switch to the compressor clutch. The power to that switch comes via the black jumper from the fan switch. The yellow is the 12V supply to the fan switch. The black wire goes to the fan. The fan must be on for the clutch to engage. No relays. If the power is intermittent, there is probably an issue with one of the switches, or it's just the thermostat operating. A 12V test light would be an easy way to troubleshoot. Also, make sure that someone hasn't mixed up the wire locations on the switches. BTW if you ever need to replace your compressor, I highly recommend an aluminum replacement for the A6. Dimensionally identical, bolts right in, more efficient and about 20 lb. lighter!

You may have blown a fuse. Check for 12V with the ignition in the ON position. If your wiring is the same as the Studebaker harness, the gas gauge would have wire 47C (white) to ground, 55A (gray w/black trace) to the fuse, and 6 (red w/black trace) to the sending unit.

When you change over, you will need to add a coolant recovery bottle. These may still be available from Nostalgic, or a generic one will work if you're not concerned about authenticity.

My records show that I got them from Studebaker International: "upper radiator hoses – SI #1700928, #1700929"