1958 Fuse Box issue

[John H.]

Looking for some help. I have a 1958 and I am in the middle of interior restoration. I have no instrument lights. Have gone to fuse box and found the fuse not broken. Place a 12 volt indicator across the fuse box at this location and getting no volts. All other fuses are receiving power. Have tried this with the ignition in aux as well as light switch on.
Removed fuse box and checked both sides of the fuse (grey wire) and still no voltage any where
Any suggestions appreciated

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 Fuse Box issue

John,

Power for the Dash lamps comes from the headlight switch, from the Orange wiring circuit. This is fed from the TAIL Lamps fuse, top fuse in the panel. TAIL lamps really means TAIL and BRAKE lamp Orange wiring circuits. Orange feeds the Brake Lamp switch directly, then also goes to the HL switch. It also feeds the Courtesy Lamp if equipped.

This top fuse feeds the Headlight switch Orange input circuit, for the Tail lamps and Dash lights Gray wiring circuit, via the bottom INSTR fuse in the panel, via the HL switch rheostat.

Note that this circuit is somewhat of a design safety feature, such that if the Dash lamps don't work, it could be a telltale the the Tail/Brake lamps fuse has failed, therefore no Tail or Brake lamps either. A dangerous condition for vehicles following behind.

Another possibility is that the Cluster housing is not grounded. Check that the Black ground wire is tightly attached to the back of the cluster tach/speedo mount stud, free of any paint at the junction.

Here are some diagrams and fuse panel images to assist. You said all other fuses are powered, but again check the Top fuse for power. Outside clip always 12v, inside clip fused to the Orange circuits.

Rich

1959_HL_SwitchTable.jpg


1959_HL_SwitchHarnessWiring.jpg
Fuse panel
P2100065.jpg

P5230002.jpg

[John T.]

Re: 1958 Fuse Box issue

Rich You continue to supply amazingly complete and accurate answers. Your efforts are much appreciated.

John