Originally Posted by bgkast

You don't have to pull the whole dash to replace the rheostat (dimmer) just the gauge cluster, which is not too hard. Often just twisting the knob a few times will get the lights working. (This trick worked in one of my cars, a twin to yours).

I would also check into changing the oil in the transmission. There was a thread here recently where somebody was having the exact same problem as you. 5 speeds for these cars are SCACE!

The Haynes manual for these cars is ok, but this forum will be your best resource. There is almost nothing a search here will not shed light on.

Welcome!