1961 Cadillac no dash lights on. Advice appreciated

[62eldofan]

Dash lights not working on my 1961 Cadillac convertible. Advice appreciated.

[35-709]

Would suspect headlight switch.  Part of the headlight switch function, when turned left or right, is to increase/decrease the dash light bulbs' brightness.  That part of the switch is subject to fatal wear and/or breaking in two.  If that is an original switch, its dashboard light life span has exceeded most, or has been used little.  Sometimes they can be repaired, depending on the failure mode, often it means a new switch.  There may be those here that can fix that troublesome part of the headlight switch.

[David Greenburg]

There are several places that can rebuild headlight switches.  Among others, McVey's does it, and I think Cadillac Tim might do it as well.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

I would rotate the dimmer about 50 times. I did this and it seemed to clean the contacts. It works now.
Jeff R

[Michael Petti]

I had the same issue on my 60. The rheostat had deteriorated beyond repair. Replaced it and it solved the problem.  In some cases, it can be cleaned. Either solution requires removing it which can be done by loosening the screws holding the switch together and sliding it out, not disassembling the whole thing. You will need a tool to remove the switch. I think O.P.G.I has it.

[Poncholover]

I have a couple on the shelf, where are you located?

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Have you looked at the fuse?

Bruce.