Is this a simple question? Since none of the gauges work, and, the lights on the dashboard, it must be a common ground. Where is it all grounded? Is there one place? Should I jostle some wires randomly? Thank you.
Can't be specific to the 1950 but most cars of this era with a metal dash panel the actual dash is the ground. Your gauge failure is probably not connected to dash light failure. You need to check for power at one of the dash lights then trace back to the switch if you have no juice.
Hello 50Cad62,
Welcome to the forum.
"Should I jostle some wires randomly?"
You could, but you might want to have a fire extinguisher handy. Your post did not mention the condition of the wiring in the car. Does it look to be in good repair? Does it look like a previous owner modified or repaired it? Is your car still a 6 volt car, with all the original six volt bulbs and gauges?
A safer method might be to disconnect the battery and use a continuity tester with an audible signal to check some of the wiring/circuits. Do you have the shop manual for the car?
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher Winter
Well, the gauges work, they moved so little that it seemed they didn't. The only problem is no dash lights. Still 6 volts, wiring looks as new, there is only 19K on the car.
Is there a rheostat dimmer for the dash lights? That was the problem with my '58.
Yes, there is, I am going to check that out, thanks.
did you find the ground