Did a thorough check under the dash, all the wiring was connected where it should, nothing touching where it shouldn't. I pulled the switch and checked it and it checked out ok (thank goodness, hate to buy new parts to replace new parts). So from there I went to the known bad spot, my right front park light. wires checked out ok so I pulled the bulb and it looked fine. I did notice however that the socket seemed to be pretty loose. I did the Airforce check of comparing it to the known good light which was tight. After getting to the screw in the back (not easy with the grill installed) I tightened it and put everything back together. Hooked it all up, crossed my fingers and pulled the switch on. Dash lights and parking lights came on as they should and no glow or smoke from the switch. I did it with the key on and the key off just in case there was something else involved. So far all seems to work again though I am skeptical of my work since this is the first and only vehicle I have really worked on more than changing the oil.
Take away from this for me is always do a walk around and check the truck out before you take it out. As a pilot I do that with the helicopters i fly and t makes sense to do it for this old truck. It vibrates a lot more than the modern cars and who knows what or when these parts, old or new, are going to fail from the stress. Check things out, and if you find something not working the way it should, find out why and fix it. Had my test drive the other day required the use of those lights I could have been in a hurt away from home with a fire under the dash every time I pull the switch all because I assumed I just had a build burnt out or something.
Thanks again for everyones advice and input, I'll let you know if anything more comes of this.
