Dash Pad Light (by controls on heater box or on dash?)

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michaelharrisco

michaelharrisco

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Jul 18, 2010
Threads
107
Messages
485
Location
Raleigh, NC
I'm confused; I have the light that shines down on the floor of the truck to illuminate the OFF,VENT, DEFROST lever, but not one on the dash knobs WIPER, HAZARDS, HEAT, etc. The pic at the famous bulb post (https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/69423-light-bulbs-land-cruisers.html) shows a light shining on the knobs. Was this stock? Should it be on a 1978? I've looked and it is no where to be found and I sure would like this option.

See pic:
IMG_4955.webp
 
Do you by chance have one of the dash covers. They are not cut for the dash pad light. Both 74's I've owned and a 79 had the light. The 70 did not although it does now because I put the 79's dah pad on it. I have a cover on my 74 and had to cut a rectangular slot for the light to shine through.
 
I'm looking at it right now and don't see any type of slot where it could possibly be so I guess my model doesn't have that option (bummer). I'm not too big on modifying what I have to put something in honestly so doubt I'll be wiring it up and cutting up my dash.

Oh well. It is nice to know they dont' all have them. I thought I was some odd ball that had an issue or something.
 
'78 would have it. Take a picture of the underside of the dash pad right above the knobs and post it up. If you take the dash pad off you can access the backside and check there to be sure.
 
Ah I see what you mean. You are right PO may have put an aftermarket pad on. I'll take it off sometime soon to see if it is under there. If so I may consider cutting since it is org. I'm a guy that doesn't like doing things that don't belong on my rig that weren't org. Good info guys.

By the way...I like the Dave Ramsey link in the signature. Huge supporter. step 3 for us! Of course the cruiser distracts me sometimes..haha.
 
Pics of what I'm working with

So here are some pics. Can anyone let me know if this is obviously an aftermarket dashpad? Not sure when I'll get to it, but I do plan on taking it off to see if I can find a light back there to shine on the dash knobs.
photo 1.webp
photo 2.webp
 
subzali said:
'78 would have it. Take a picture of the underside of the dash pad right above the knobs and post it up. If you take the dash pad off you can access the backside and check there to be sure.
Click to expand...
Are you sure? I dont think I have one, I do have a cover pad though.
 
no idea where your light is coming from :confused: certainly not OEM in a '72
 
If you have the heater control light, you should find the dash control light hidden behind your dash cover. I cut a hole in my cover to allow mounting the dash control light.
 
My '77 has it also. When I put the dash cover on I had to cut out the hole and mount my light.
 
platypusREX said:
Are you sure? I dont think I have one, I do have a cover pad though.
Click to expand...

Are you sure? I could have sworn when I drove yours when it still lived in Colorado it had that light. In fact, it was the inspiration for me to pursue getting a light knob backlight, the heater controls light, and the dash knob light working in mine!
 
subzali said:
Are you sure? I could have sworn when I drove yours when it still lived in Colorado it had that light. In fact, it was the inspiration for me to pursue getting a light knob backlight, the heater controls light, and the dash knob light working in mine!
Click to expand...

Well you are right........but it is burned out or doesnt work. I never noticed it though.
You wouldnt know the bulb number would you? Some more mud searching to go.
What was my car like back then?
pR
 
Got the dash Green Light working!

Late follow up, but I finally got around to taking off the dash pad and you guys (to no surprise) were right. The light was back there (bulb burned out) and it still had the green lens on it as well. Cut a clean cut in the dash pad (can't believe the PO didn't do this) and replaced the bulb and working perfect now.

I may eventually order an LED for it since I've been wanting to order the LED light for the heater box light as well. It seems a bit dim so I'm thinking the LED may help it a bit.

Taking it out when it gets dark so I can really see what it looks like.

Glad to be able to mark something else off the list!

Thanks for the feedback.
 
Just read through this thread. I just got my FJ40 and do have the dash pad light in my 77, however, I did not notice the VENT>HEAT>DEFROST knob light. Would that be standard equip. on a 77? I poked around under the dash, but did not see where it would be. If someone could post a pic of theirs, that'd be really helpful.

Cheers!
 
led

Wheni swapped in my led it was MUCH brighter, I like it a lot more now.
Never noticed it before the swap until i went looking for it at night and it was there and on.

Cal-
 
What kind of LED did you swap in? Part number and source?
 
drr2164 said:
Just read through this thread. I just got my FJ40 and do have the dash pad light in my 77, however, I did not notice the VENT>HEAT>DEFROST knob light. Would that be standard equip. on a 77? I poked around under the dash, but did not see where it would be. If someone could post a pic of theirs, that'd be really helpful.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Here are some pics of where the bulb is (should be) for the heater control bulb. I also ordered this today as well.
photo 2-1.webp
photo 1-1.webp
 
Leds

I swapped everything to led except the headlights, from superbright.com

start with this thread, read the sub threads, one of the threads lists every bulb and part number to swap into a fj40.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/64158-aftermarket-led-tailights-faq.html#post733836

best thread wtih part#s

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/69423-light-bulbs-land-cruisers.html

Note there seem to be newer options for some of the bulbs that are brighter and have more LEDs since this thread, I upgraded to bigger brighter better for some of them by looking carefully.

If you have not gone through the FAQ, it's got GOBS of great info like this, i suggest it to you.

Cal-
 
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