So, I go out to my car to install a new headlamp. Cause I figure that's the problem. I install it and find out that, that was not the problem at all. When I pull the headlight switch out all of the way, everything turns on (gauge lights, tail lights, parking lights) exept my headlights. I press the dimmer switch and to my surprise, both the high and the low beams come on!! but when I depress the dimmer the low beams go off as well as the high. is this a problem with my wiring? cause it's been fine up until now. Or do I need a new headlight switch? please, help. the ladies I cruise with are ladies of the night. can't dissapoint them. haha
btw, I have a 73 electra 225

from your description, it appears that the dimmer switch is shorting out against itself. chase the wiring. if it looks good, replace the switch.

thanks, I'm not really electrical savy. how would I go about "chasing" the wiring? Here's a bit of info that might help as well. When I bought the car the guy who sold it to me, informed me that the original engine (a rebuilt is in there now) had overheated and melted some wiring. Most was replaced, but I noticed where the headlight wiring goes into the front of the body towards the cab, there seems to be some melted wires. could this be my problem? and would this be an expensive procedure to have done to my car? I'd like to do it myself, but it's the knowledge that I lack. once again, thanks

I would suggest the first thing to do is make sure you have power for low beam at the dimmer switch. If not, then it is your switch. If so, then worry about the next step.

Do your turn signals work? There is typically a subset of wiring at the dash connector that deals specifically with the wires that power the head lamps, turn signals, cornering lights, etc. If you have an ohm-meter you can pull that connector and check each exposed pin and appropriate termination for resistance. Trace the wire for the low beam at the headlight. Pull the connector and test the resistance. If it is a short circuit in this part of the wiring, it will cause the circuit breaker in the light switch to shut the lights off. Electrical work can get very expensive. Finding people who actually know what they are doing can be even more futile. Keep us posted and we will try to help from a distance.

yes my turn signals do work. but thanks for all of the help so far. this car is awesome, I'm willing to do what I have to, to keep her around.
I just bought a 73 buick chassis/service manual. which has helped me quite a bit.
it seems whoever had the car before me decided to do some shotty electrical work. it's a mess under my dash. just finding the right wires is a task. I don't understand how anyone could take such bad care of this car. but, hopefully it won't require major electrical work. but, I will check out all of your suggestions and keep you updated. thanks again!