Electrical: 1964 Studebaker Avanti instrument lights

[1inxs]

I need help trouble shooting my instrument lights not working on my 1964 Studebaker Avanti. I have headlights and park lights working. When I flip my instrument switch on and the high or low switch I get nothing for instrument lights. I switched out a working (tested) bulb to socket and get nothing. I pulled the overhead panel down and tested the two closet terminals to the windshield for power, I get nothing. Please share your ideas! Thanks

[Ron Strasser]

The high-low switch for the instrument lights switch receives power only when the parking or head lights are on. You need to check to find out if power is going to the instruments light switch. When the instrument light switch is in the low position; power for the instruments also flows through a resistor that is mounted (I believe) under the dash to the left of the steering coulomb.
Ron

[1inxs]

The high-low switch for the instrument lights switch receives power only when the parking or head lights are on. You need to check to find out if power is going to the instruments light switch. When the instrument light switch is in the low position; power for the instruments also flows through a resistor that is mounted (I believe) under the dash to the left of the steering coulomb.
Ron

Ron,
Do I need to turn on the headlights and the instrument switch and choose high or low on the instrument switch? Thanks

[1inxs]

Would this be the dimmer? Located on the left of steering wheel near amp gauge.

[Ron Strasser]

Yes that is the wire wound resistor that serves as the dimmer for the instrument lights.
I had to look; I have only owned the Avanti for 44 Years. Senility is fun you get to rediscover what you knew yesterday.
There are 4 switches that control the car lights. From the left
1-turns all lights that were on on or off Also turns the head lights on. The only switch I usually use.
2-turns the parking lights on or off
3-Trns the instrument lights on or off
4-Bright or Dim instrument lights With old eyes dim is useless. Hard enough to see the instruments on High.
The above is how my Avanti Lights work. I do not remember (see senility above) if I made any changes over the years. I did discover that one of the switch assembly lights is out. Now all I have to do is remember to replace it.
Ron

[StudeRich]

Just select Parking= "PK" or Headlight ="DR", Instruments= "ON", Instruments "Hi", then the Left Hand Switch "Lights" to "ON", it all should Light; Overhead, Console and Dash.

Sounds like the Instruments ON/OFF Switch has failed or has poor connections. Maybe check the Fuse Panel.

[1inxs]

Thanks for all of your help. I believe the problem is resolved. Dirty connections and a bad ground. It’s interesting to note, if one bulb is removed from a circuit, that circuit does not work. I have ordered LED bulbs to replace all of the incandescent bulbs. I have a few dead bulbs, but have attached a picture of my lit instrument panel. Thanks again for the help.

[Dwight FitzSimons]

It’s interesting to note, if one bulb is removed from a circuit, that circuit does not work.

This should not happen unless that circuit is wired in series, and it isn't -- It is wired in parallel. Long ago, Christmas lights (for a tree) were wired in series, but not your Studebaker lights. There is something wrong. It is not rare to find wiring mistakes made by mechanics who are not qualified to work on a car's electrical system. Two Avantis of the six that I have owned had such electrical wiring screwups. First, look for bad grounds and electrical connections. Then look for modifications to the wiring. In both of my Avanti experiences those modifications caused odd behavior of the lights and instruments.
--Dwight