Dark HVAC Control Panels

[cygnusx1]

Since I just got my "resurrected" 72 on the road and drove it at night for the first time, I noticed a severe lack of illumination for the HVAC controls. My 280Z controls are lit. I feel like Helen Keller, trying to adjust the controls in the 72 at night. Are they supposed to be pitch black? If so, do you get used to it, or has anyone added some kind of auxiliary illumination to light up that panel a bit?

I was thinking about adding an LED or two that would shine up from the center console to front-light the panel.

Edited April 21, 2010 by cygnusx1

[Inf]

The backlit controls were not added until sometime on the 73 model, IIRC.

No need to feel like Helen Keller, just remember which lever is which.

Alternatively, some have swapped in '73 panels into earlier cars, I recall there being an extensive thread about it somewhere, but I can't seem to find it.

[JohnnyO]

How about just clicking on the the map light or the dome light, if it still works.

Congrats on the resurrection!

John

[cygnusx1]

Thanks! The map and dome lights both work but the map is blinding, and the dome is too dim to light the panel. I know, it's an old car so some things are compromises...

I'll probably get used to, which lever does what, with time. I don't want to swap in a different panel since the car is pretty original inside. I have some LED's...I'll experiment when I get a chance.

[JohnnyO]

Another thought is those accessory lights that plug into the cig lighter socket. IIRC, they have an on off switch and come in LED version now.

They also have flexible goose necks to point them where you want.

[cygnusx1]

Good idea.