Dim Instrument Lighting '64 R2

[marc212]

The instrument lighting, including the lights on the vent levers, and light switches, is very dim. I have two intensities, dim and dimmer. Could it be a bad switch? Wrong bulbs?

Thanks for your input.

Marc

[Gunslinger]

It might be the resister under the dash. That controls the current flow to the gauge lights. It's mounted on the steel reinforcing bar under the dash on the drivers side and looks like a coil. Make sure its connections are good and solid. If it needs replacement you can find them at most of the usual vendors.

[marc212]

Thanks for your reply. I will check this out.

Happy 4th of July.

[mfg]

When you have time, you may want to go ahead and replace all the red bulbs with new ones that are available through the vendors...I realize the old ones are still working...but new ones will definitely be 'clean and bright'!

[Gunslinger]

What you can do is install new bulbs as mfg suggested...you don't want to be rooting around in that confined area any more than you have to...and instead of buying red bulbs, buy the standard bulbs and get red gel covers for the bulbs. They give a more even red glow than the red painted bulbs that are unevenly covered. Places like Pep Boys, AutoZone, and Advanced auto carry them.

[marc212]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. There are so many bulbs involved here considering the instruments, console and overhead switches. Does anyone have an exact count of each type of bulb required, and the types, of course?

Does anyone have a part number for the resistor? Is the resistor a common item picked up locally or is it specific to the Avanti? If so, who would carry it and how do I describe it?

Thanks again.

[brad]

The resistor only comes into play on the low lighting setting. It can be bad and it won't effect the high setting at all.

When light bulbs get old, the tungsten of the filaments is burned off and lines the inside of the glass. Many times an old bulb will look almost black because of this.

I agree, replace the bulbs with new ones.