Headlamp Warning Light/Bulb Gremlins

[James W.]

I have an intermittent problem with the headlamp warning light bulb on my '65. The light "works" sometimes when you tap on the gauge cluster. I think it is the bulb connection on the back of the gauge cluster. I don't want to pull the cluster all the way out but just far enough to get to the bulb connection. To do this using the threaded rods screwed into the dash in place of the attachment screws, do I need to disconnect he speedo and tach cables to pull the cluster back a few inches? The car gets judged in one week and I'd like to get all my points for the Ops check.

Thanks,

James West

[Carl N.]

Re: Headlamp Warning Light/Bulb Gremlins

if you have the original speedo cable and tach cable you will only have an inch or two of slack - sorry - also check the headlight harness where it passes thru the firewall - hoped you cleaned this real good when you had everything apart - last make sure the limit switches are qrounded

[Richard M.]

Re: Headlamp Warning Light/Bulb Gremlins

James, You'll get more room if you disconnect the cables, but do it at the distributor. You may have enough slack in the speedo cable, if not remove it from the transmission. Be extra careful of the oil line though, not much slack there unless you pull from the endpoints.

The flasher bulb socket has 2 wires. One from 12v source, the other from the bucket switches to ground. Chances are if you tap the cluster the socket is the culprit, however is could be a intermittent filament in the bulb. Have another bulb handy just in case. If you have non-original/Asian bulb, you'll loose some credit as they flash erratically. Original bulbs are best if available.

Rich