Electrical Problems '72 450 SL

[ptspringer]

Hello Gentle Men and Women,
I have many electrical problems on my otherwise cute '72 350 SL (4.5),

1.) The flashers ( left and right turn signals) are fine when they are warm, but when cold they flash super fast- like continuous. I'm assuming I need to replace the flasher relay located near the (driver's side left of the) console.- I've got one on order. Is this correct??

2.) In the morning & it's dark & the car is cold, when I turn on the headlights - the instrument lights never turn on, but they often work when warm - This include the heater and clock stuff too. I assume I need to check if the connections to the instrument panel are tight & clean, and also if the voltage from the head light switch is ther. However, when I got under the console by the brake pedals, ity's such a mess of wiring harnesses and ventation tubes, I'm not sure how to get my voltmeter in ther to measure if it's a switch or grounding problem. Do I need to remove the console?, the instrument panel?

Any help on these would be grately appreciated

PAul