Capt,
It sounds like you have lots of things going on with your wiring. I have enclosed a dash wiring schematic for a '66 truck. It might help you sort out your gremlins.
If I read the diagram correctly, it appears the power comes from the light switch, through the fuse and a connector then on to the panel lights.
This makes it easier to check the voltage at the fuse. If you have it there, it has made it through the light switch and the 'open' is further downstream.
The dome light comes from a separate fuse...I think!
http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/diagrams/66cabwire.jpgStuart
