69 Cuda wiring problem

69 M-CODE CUDA said
I’m doing a basic stock restoration on my 69 Cuda, and am having some electrical issues I’m unsure of.
I did the Mad Max (or whatever) modification that bypasses the bulkhead connectors and disconnects the amp gauge in the dash. I used the recommended wire gauge, the two fusible links, and soldered crimp connections, etc.

The problem I’m having is that after reinstalling the dash, I’m getting a small charge through the circuit that the dash lights/console light are using, even when the ignition and light switch are off. When I turn the light switch on, they all get brighter per normal, but remain partially on when switched off.
A couple things to note is that I haven’t yet installed headlights, backup lights or tail lights, so my thought was it could be a ground issue there? Also I’m using LED bulbs in the dash, for what it’s worth.

Any ideas where to start troubleshooting? I really appreciate the help.

Thanks, Doug

This sounds like some sort of backfeed. First step is to locate the inst fuse in the fuse box which will be at one end of the box. Pull that fuse. Look at the lamps and see if they are out. Take a meter and be SURE the meter is grounded. Measure BOTH sides of the fuse clips with the fuse out. Normally, this should be dead. I am betting the "bulb" side is hot.

The dash lamp circuit should ONLY be hot under the following conditions, and how it works

First the light switch has TWO power sources, one of which is NOT fused and comes from the black ammeter wire in the harness. This powers ONLY the head lights

The second comes from the tail fuse and powers the tail/ park and dimmer controlled dash lamps

With that circuit intact, and the light switch on, power goes through the dimmer control, out the tan wire and TO the INST fuse. From the fuse, out to all dimmer controlled dash lamps on orange wires

So the tail fuse/ circuit must work, the lamp switch must be in park/ head, and the dimmer control must be twisted "some to the left."

It might be that the cluster/ pc board is not actually grounded, and is seeing a voltage source, I don't know what "yet"