1978 Ford F150 Electrical question

[Scanker19]

So once upon a time there was this 1978 ford F150. And it's right turn signal is really dim. It's sort of noticeable in the daytime, but at night the tail lights completely mask the light. I replaced the bulb, and the socket. Even cleaned the connections on the wires just in case. But it's still dim.

Also, might be related, but the "right" side of the dash lights cuts in and out when the truck is first driven at night. Eventually it stops.
Also maybe related... the turn signal light (left) on the dash is lit all the time very dimly. if you use the turn signal it dims further but brightens up a bit as time goes on.

I don't understand electricity very well, so any help would be appreciated. Preferably with crayons and sock puppets so I can understand it.

Thanks all.

[Great-Kazoo]

First item i would check, actually replace is the turn signal flasher.
If issues continue. Ground issue with the front or panel. For those you might have a bad / burnt bulb in that circuit causing grief .

[blackford76]

Bad ground, a bad flasher would effect both sides. Worst case it is the switch in the column. Most likely just the ground though. Had the same problem with one of my '78s, only it was left front.

[blackford76]

Dash lights are probably dirty or loose connections on the back of the gauge cluster. not related to turn signal problem.

[Scanker19]

Bad ground, a bad flasher would effect both sides. Worst case it is the switch in the column. Most likely just the ground though. Had the same problem with one of my '78s, only it was left front.

The ground at the light itself or maybe one else where?

[Jamnanc]

Any piece of worn wire from the switch to the bulb. Look carefully wherever the wire goes through a body panel.

[SideShow Bob]

The ground at the light itself or maybe one else where?

Ground from socket to bed, ground from bed to frame and ground from engine to frame and or body in the engine compartment.

Check, remove, clean all contact points & reattach. A vehicle of that age could have rust or corrosion at the contact points and even in the wires.

[blackford76]

If it isn't right near the tail light, look up by the brake booster where the harness comes up from off the frame. Connector there could be bad.
You can just add a new ground back by the tail light. I did that on one of mine. Way easier than tracing all the wires. Unless you are restoring it to show standards.