BTW, wound up just getting "normal" replacement bulbs (couldn't wait for Fastlane, so I had to get them from the dealer...$50 later ) and bypassed the rheostat completely...and just finished putting the instrument panel back in the car. Even without painting anything, I think the lights are a bit brighter, and certainly it's nice to see everything properly working.

I'm still in the process of putting everything back together, but I'd call this a success...the car should be ready to go to southern CA for the holidays tomorrow; also did a valve adjustment...

Thanks again