Indicator lights on dashboard

[ratbags]

I took my new-to-me 1966 Thunderbird to be inspected for registration in Texas and it failed because the indicator lights on the dashboard do not work. Apparently cars after 1960 are supposed to have these. The indicator lights on the fender work and the high beam lamp on the dash works. I can't find anything about the T-Bird having indicator lights on the dashboard. Does anybody know if the vehicle does have these (and they are just not operating)? We are planning a trip down Route 66 in the vehicle next year and so need to have it registered.

 

[tbirdfun]

The 1966 Thunderbird indeed does have dashboard indicator lights as part of its original design. You should find indicators for items such as fuel level, temperature, oil pressure, alternator, and high beam status, among others. It sounds like some of your lights are working, such as the high beam indicator, but others are not.

The lack of illumination could be due to a few different problems. First, the bulbs themselves might have burnt out. They are usually relatively simple to replace once you gain access to the back of the instrument panel. If the problem isn't the bulbs, it could be the wiring or a fuse. You may also want to check the grounding wire. The ground is just as important as the power. Any corrosion or disconnection there might cause issues.

 

[sseebart]

I took my new-to-me 1966 Thunderbird to be inspected for registration in Texas and it failed because the indicator lights on the dashboard do not work. Apparently cars after 1960 are supposed to have these. The indicator lights on the fender work and the high beam lamp on the dash works. I can't find anything about the T-Bird having indicator lights on the dashboard. Does anybody know if the vehicle does have these (and they are just not operating)? We are planning a trip down Route 66 in the vehicle next year and so need to have it registered.

If you're talking about turn indicator lights, the 64-66 models do not have these on the dash.

Is there a local t-bird club? Maybe someone from there could help you get through inspection.

Congrats on the new-to-you car!