Mystery Dash Item

BGsGhia · Post by **BGsGhia** » Fri Apr 12, 2002 11:18 pm

I have just begun a restoration on a 74 coupe and I'm trying to identify a small light mounted under the dash in the center... it wiggles back and forth like a toggle switch. The bracket it is mounted to looks original.

I traced one of the wires back to the main light switch. The other one goes into the spaghetti mess of wires behind the dash.

Should I leave it or yank it?

Ghiaddict · Post by **Ghiaddict** » Sat Apr 13, 2002 6:56 am

Leave it!
That's an original 1974 Karmann Ghia interior light fixture you've found mounted under your dash.
They are very hard to find as used parts and I've never seen them offered in any parts catalog.
Vince http://www.karmann-ghias.com/

BGsGhia · Post by **BGsGhia** » Sat Apr 13, 2002 9:38 am

OK, since I want to return the car to as close to original as possible ($$$ allowing), I'll leave it alone. But what is it for? The only time I've seen it light up is when I have the headlights on. It is just a small red light. Is it supposed to be wired into the rear window defroster?

CLKWRK · Post by **CLKWRK** » Sat Apr 13, 2002 9:39 am

Yes, this mystery light wouldnt be a map light would it, grey/red and brown wire goint to it, I tore mine out cause it diddnt work with my interior, if you are looking for a replacement those can also be found in type 3's. hope that helps...BRY

oregonian52 · Post by **oregonian52** » Sat Apr 13, 2002 8:44 pm

It illuminates the heater controls. More government crap to make the cars "safer"

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Ed
72 Super
70 Ghia

BGsGhia · Post by **BGsGhia** » Fri Apr 19, 2002 8:47 am

Thanks for the insight. Sure enough, the Haynes manual wiring diagram lists a "Light for heater lever illuminaton". But if the German engineers could make my emergency flasher knob light up, you'd think they could have put small lights inside the heater lever knobs!

oregonian52 · Post by **oregonian52** » Fri Apr 19, 2002 11:12 pm

Only on Bimmers and Benzs. We just have to feel our way around in the dark.
The heater controls are the most convenient I've ever used. Just drop my hand down to control airflow and heat. No stretching to the dash. Simplicity is often the best.

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Ed
72 Super
70 Ghia

Plastermaster · Post by **Plastermaster** » Fri Apr 19, 2002 11:46 pm

My problem is I can't ever remember which one is heat and which one is defrost. It actually is printed on the knobs but it is very worn.

Ron