'73 Electrical (Dashlights)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 230
Likes: 20
From: West Virginia
'73 Electrical (Dashlights)
I have recently had the dash pulled out to replace the bulbs to LED and to replace top dash as well as replace the center console to one un-cracked. Lights were working before pull out. I am wondering if the grounds have come loose but struggling where to look for them. Couple of the center console light work but none of the drivers side cluster works. Can anyone help me to find a starting place?
Any help appreciated.
Any help appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 3,551
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
I have recently had the dash pulled out to replace the bulbs to LED and to replace top dash as well as replace the center console to one un-cracked. Lights were working before pull out. I am wondering if the grounds have come loose but struggling where to look for them. Couple of the center console light work but none of the drivers side cluster works. Can anyone help me to find a starting place?
Any help appreciated.
Any help appreciated.
The tach and speedo have a ground-
Pic stolen from "caskiguy"- thanks Brian!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 720
From: Marietta GA
Also make sure that on the large head light switch you correctly mate the multi contact connector. On my 73, I was not diligent and
after everything was buttoned up there were no gauge lights. Turned out that the connector was not matted to the switch correctly.
after everything was buttoned up there were no gauge lights. Turned out that the connector was not matted to the switch correctly.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
The headlamp switch has a sheet metal strap that is the electrical ground for it. That has to attach properly. If not, you get weak electrical ground and dim bulbs...or you get no dash lights at all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 3,551
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
1. interior lights won't work with the switch - but will work with the doors opening
2, dash lights won't dim ( might be a moot point with LED as they draw so little current)- but will be at full brightness
The dash bulb's sockets are grounded at each of their bases - then from there to three locations- the tach- speedo (shown above) and cluster.
Here's a great solution and write up put together by fellow forum member "Greg" - solves the issue of the light sockets,
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-upgrade.html
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 230
Likes: 20
From: West Virginia
Richard454, thank you for this post. Very interesting read. I ordered the new rubber plugs today to switch everything over to a two-wire grounded system. That way there will be no problems in the future.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski