RR Classic '79: side + rear lights not working...

Like it sez above: I've got a '79 2-door Rangie, fairly original apart from a Mazda engine (mmmmm....mazda).
A few days ago the sidelight circuit (middle position on the R/H steering column switch) dropped out completely, so the side, rear, license plate and instrument lighting aren't working at all. I've still got headlights, brake, reverse,interior and mist lights, thankfully. None of the affected lights come on again with the headlights (bottom position on the switch)

The obvious answer is that the column switch is dodgy, but according to my multimeter it seems to be putting out 12v to the sidelight and headlight circuits as it should, so I'm a bit confused :scratching_chin:

Is there anything else (like a fuse, common wire, relay) that all of those lights have in common and can lead to them dropping out?

I've pulled and replaced every fuse I can find so far, with no result.

Please help, çoz electrics make Daves brain hurt....

well on my 72 when I had this fun the switch tested ok on the bench with the greenies at work but still wouldnt work on the car, I swapped it for my spare and all was well.

You could also check all the little bullet connectors on the wiring behind there, it was the red ones that had come loose which made me swap the stalks out twice :doh: needless to say they are taped in now!

Thanks for the tips, fett, gonna try and get in behind the dash tomorrow to check the wiring there. I've got orders in with a couple of breakers for a replacement switch, but so far no joy. Can't even find the right switch on e-bay, which is very annoying. How easy is it use later 1990-95 switches ? They're right easy to find......:scratching_chin:

I dont know that one but if you find out let us know!

I have invited you to out 3 door owners group on here btw and we would all be glad to know

I'm now a proud member (ooer missus...) of the 3 Door RRC owners group...anyone got any switches I can nick?

its a shame I had to use my spare myself but post it in the 3 door group and maybe the others can help you out.