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BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
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| | | Forums66 Topics126,777 Posts1,039,268 Members48,100 | | Most Online2,175
Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,060 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,060 | I just did a 12Volt conversion on my 52 3800. I replaced all the dash lights and high beam indicator. Now I have nothing for dash lights and indicator. Is there a common ground wire in this circuit or do the lights ground through the speedometer and gauges? I Suspect that I lost the grounds by removing the sockets, but find this this a bit of a stretch given how tight they were in the openings. I have not checked the dash light connection at the light switch yet either. I am just jumping into this problem and wanted to get armed with some knowledge. I realize the indicator circuit is different than the dash light circuit.
1946 1-ton Panel
1952 1-ton Comml. W/Grain Body
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2019 Posts: 4,100 AD Addict & Tinkerer | | AD Addict & Tinkerer Joined: Feb 2019 Posts: 4,100 | The dash bulbs are grounded thru the instrument cluster. Since you lost the high beam indicator also, I suspect you lost the ground to the cluster or a ground strap to the cab. Try jumpering from a known good ground to the cluster to see of the dash lights work. If your lights work you will know where to look.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc BrakesProject JournalsStovebolt Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,988 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,988 | Are you saying BOTH clusters have no lights? The gauge cluster AND the speedo???? From what little I know of AD, I find it hard to believe that none of the 8 cluster ear tabs are grounded. It would only take one tab on each...and the dash itself is welded. So I'm going to guess you have two problems at the same time: Power to gauge lights and something wrong with high beam circuit.
12V bulbs, right? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,060 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,060 | Yes, brand new 12V bulbs all around. I will start with the connection to the light switch and go from there for the dash lights and then the indicator.
1946 1-ton Panel
1952 1-ton Comml. W/Grain Body
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,988 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,988 | So the YES is BOTH clusters dark? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,060 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,060 | Yes, both clusters. I won't be able to get out to where it is stored before tomorrow. Maybe longer, the barn owner's wife tested positive for covid. I think I am going to be a contender for the longest truck repair in history.
1946 1-ton Panel
1952 1-ton Comml. W/Grain Body
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,988 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,988 | | | |
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