Dash lights and more...
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 86
Likes: 2
Dash lights and more...
I have a 1973 Ford F100. The dash lights for the gauges only come on if I turn the light switch all the way to the left (counter clockwise).
What do you think the problem is?
Any suggestions on a headliner fabric?
My dash cover is cracked. How does that come off? Also has any one had luck with just buying the type that fits over the existing on?
What do you think the problem is?
Any suggestions on a headliner fabric?
My dash cover is cracked. How does that come off? Also has any one had luck with just buying the type that fits over the existing on?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,217
Likes: 154
The dash lights sounds like the switch, but it could be LEDs in there. Do they get really bright?
If they're not LEDs and it's the switch, first try spraying some contact cleaner on the rheostat part of it, and see if that rejuvenates it.
Headliner? Try looking at headliners in SUVs at the junkyard, and maybe you'll find one where you can cut out a piece large enough to do a Dent.
Dash pad has studs sticking out of it, which go through the metal dash panel and get secured by nuts. There are also screws through the pad which secure the defroster duct. There might be a couple of other screws too - maybe at the corners?
If they're not LEDs and it's the switch, first try spraying some contact cleaner on the rheostat part of it, and see if that rejuvenates it.
Headliner? Try looking at headliners in SUVs at the junkyard, and maybe you'll find one where you can cut out a piece large enough to do a Dent.
Dash pad has studs sticking out of it, which go through the metal dash panel and get secured by nuts. There are also screws through the pad which secure the defroster duct. There might be a couple of other screws too - maybe at the corners?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 885
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...the-cheap.html
That's the thread that I used when I re-did mine although it looks like the pictures are gone. You don't really need them, its fairly self explanatory. I did it over the summer but just got it installed a couple of weeks ago. I think it looks great.
After doing the headliner, I decided that I was going to try to avoid the stick on dash cover and tried going the vinyl route. It's not bad, but it wasn't nearly as straightforward a process as the headliner vinyl. I haven't installed it yet to see if I like it or not, but there's a possibility I'm going to go with the cover next.
That's the thread that I used when I re-did mine although it looks like the pictures are gone. You don't really need them, its fairly self explanatory. I did it over the summer but just got it installed a couple of weeks ago. I think it looks great.
After doing the headliner, I decided that I was going to try to avoid the stick on dash cover and tried going the vinyl route. It's not bad, but it wasn't nearly as straightforward a process as the headliner vinyl. I haven't installed it yet to see if I like it or not, but there's a possibility I'm going to go with the cover next.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,272
Likes: 5,824
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
I seem to remember that there 10 nuts that hold the dash pad on. Either 5/32, 11/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16...?? PITA if you have big hands.
Best to remove the instrument cluster, glove box liner and if you have a/c even more a PITA due to the dash installed vents cases 9th epiece the adjustable vents mount in) being kinda in the way on the far L/H and far R/H sides stud nuts.
And yes the far left and right have 2 studs side by side. The drop down piece in the center has one on the tip. And then a couple more easy to reach ones. One inline with the glove box door latch (see last pic).
When you take out the glove box liner, be careful the bent in edges of the glove box are sharp. I use blue painters tape to cover them.
X2 on the headliner for cheap thread and new headlight switch. Walk thru to remove the dash bezel and instrument cluster in here. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...then-some.html
Best to remove the instrument cluster, glove box liner and if you have a/c even more a PITA due to the dash installed vents cases 9th epiece the adjustable vents mount in) being kinda in the way on the far L/H and far R/H sides stud nuts.
And yes the far left and right have 2 studs side by side. The drop down piece in the center has one on the tip. And then a couple more easy to reach ones. One inline with the glove box door latch (see last pic).
When you take out the glove box liner, be careful the bent in edges of the glove box are sharp. I use blue painters tape to cover them.
X2 on the headliner for cheap thread and new headlight switch. Walk thru to remove the dash bezel and instrument cluster in here. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...then-some.html
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 12
From: KY
I have a 1973 Ford F100. The dash lights for the gauges only come on if I turn the light switch all the way to the left (counter clockwise).
What do you think the problem is?
Any suggestions on a headliner fabric?
My dash cover is cracked. How does that come off? Also has any one had luck with just buying the type that fits over the existing on?
What do you think the problem is?
Any suggestions on a headliner fabric?
My dash cover is cracked. How does that come off? Also has any one had luck with just buying the type that fits over the existing on?
You probably know but will throw it out there just in case .
The headlight switch is made to turn clock wise to dim your dash lights and turning counter clock wise makes the brighter , it will also click and stop turning when turning counter clock wise to turn on interior overhead light,, the light switch is designed that way
Now if they don't dim slowly when turning clock wise an only get bright when in one position counter clockwise then replace the switch or try cleaning with contact cleaner as it may help
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 86
Likes: 2
Thank you.
I'll buy a new light switch. I can get one at LMC.
The dash looks like a nightmare. What is your take on this dash cover? Does anyone have experience with these?
Pony Parts has the headliner that is stock. It is gray and I'm going to paint it. https://www.cjponyparts.com/headline...SABEgKXMPD_BwE
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,272
Likes: 5,824
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
I would go to a local parts house for a headlight switch before I would buy from LMC.
Dash pad removal is not that bad, and makes for an easy headlight switch replacement with the bezel/cluster out. I can pull bezel/cluster/glove box liner in about 5 min.
Dash liner might be the easy way to go, I personally have not used one. I am sure someone on here has.
I bet the shipping on that headliner is going to be crazy due to its size. Read that "headliner for cheap thread" to get some DIY ideas and save you some $.
I have used cjponyparts before for some seat sliders for aftermarket seats.
Dash pad removal is not that bad, and makes for an easy headlight switch replacement with the bezel/cluster out. I can pull bezel/cluster/glove box liner in about 5 min.
Dash liner might be the easy way to go, I personally have not used one. I am sure someone on here has.
I bet the shipping on that headliner is going to be crazy due to its size. Read that "headliner for cheap thread" to get some DIY ideas and save you some $.
I have used cjponyparts before for some seat sliders for aftermarket seats.
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Cross-Country
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Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,272
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Nothing that bad with LMC and if I could get a NOS/OEM Ford part # headlight switch from LMC I would be all over that.
I am sure that their's will be same as local parts house brand/quality.
I am sure that their's will be same as local parts house brand/quality.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,217
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Sometimes you'd just rather hit up the parts store, (and then maybe a second location of theirs, because you don't want to wait for them to ship it between stores) than wait for a mail-order house to get it to you - no matter how quick their shipping is...
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