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Classic/Antique Car Repair/65 Thunderbird instrument/speedo lights...

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Expert: - 5/29/2010


Question
Hey Brad, thanks for the help with the tbird not starting, I just bought an electric fuel pump, hooked it up and sucked out the grime that was clogging the lines, works great. Now heres my problem, my instrument and speedo lights do not work whatsoever. When I turn my brights on the small red light on the cluster turns on, but never and instrument lights. Does the headlamp knob switch control power to the instrument lights? Also, power windows dont work either, I would greatly appreciate your help to nudge me in the right direction.

Thanks Brad!
   Marcus Walton

Answer
The headlight switch does control the dash lights. There is a rheostat that is controlled by turning the headlight switch knob. These do fail and can de tested with a voltmeter after either dropping the switch or standing on your head. I would first check the bulbs. The power windows is another matter. You will again need your voltmeter and a wiring diagram to test the system.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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