Is the Ford dash light hot-wired to the headlight/taillight circuit and illuminated when the headlights are turned on, or is there a separate way that it works? What does the little lever do?- Change the focus of its beam?
Is there a drawing of the components of the dash light somewhere that I can gain access to?
The lever threads are stripped on the one I have. Any remedy for that? I can think maybe JB Weld would work.

Normally the single lead coming from the rear of the lamp is wired to the ammeter - the "little lever" contacts the bulb & lights it up.

Steve,

That makes sense.