Ever-dimming dash lights

The last few evenings I've been convinced I've accidentally turned the dashboard dimmer down, as it's becoming increasingly difficult to see the instrument panel in the dark, but I haven't - it's on full.

I've never taken the instrument panel to pieces - is it easy? what kind of replacement bulbs would I need? Tell me everything please! Ta

Here you go Paprika  - View topic: How to remove instrument cluster and replace illumination bulbs - The Mk1 Golf Owners Club

Written by my own fair hand too!  

It's easy, just be methodical. Removing the steering wheel gives more access but isn't essential from memory.

It could also be your headlight switch with the dimmer that's the culprit.

One thing I did, was to remove the lamp holder cover.
I tossed the Green film that was cloudy.  I also used the lamps out of a Saturn Honda, as the lamp sockets were plugable.  On going back I looked up the warning lamp numbers for the same car as in Honda/Saturn/Isuzu as the warning lamps are higher wattage, and gives more illumination to the cluster.

sylvania 161

Thanks both - if it ever gets daylight at the weekend I'll have a go at it

Give the dimmer wheel a good wiggle up and down as the contact can get a little dirty and not work as well.
I wiggle mine every couple of months as it's the sort of thing you just don't adjust once set.

You can just see the contacts which the dirt and dust sits in.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-MK1-Headlamp-Headlight-Switch-1979-1983-INCL-GTI-/182203375339?fits=Model%3AGolf&hash=item2a6c2adeeb:g:6P8AAMXQTT9RsLsc

Good tip, thanks

Now a really dumb question - can I get the bulbs anywhere, or are they special ones?

Try Mark at Classic-VW, or local motor factors should be able to get them too

Ta!