Gauge lights all out after replacing bulb

[PhillySpider]

Like all things, a small project has turned into a nightmare. My temp gauge light went out, pulled the steering wheel, removed the thumb screws and gently wiggled out the cluster enough to easily get to all the bulbs. Replaced the bulb, all gauge lights are out, BUT turn indicator lights, headlight indicator lights, highbeam indicator lights and all gauges function properly. Put the old bulb back in, same problem.

Where to start? I've wiggled and checked termination into all connectors, all wires have proper contact coming off of the backs of the gauges. Is there a specific fuse (they all look good visually)?

If I have to pull the cluster there's the one speedo wire that looks like it's never been cut...I know what to do there, but there's a "vacuum hose" looking thing off the speedo that I have no idea what to do with. That hose like cable is the one thing that gets taught if I try to pull the cluster out further for a better look. It connects to a threaded plastic connector on the back of the speedo...

Ideas please?!

[PhillySpider]

I just found the dead bulb wasn't actually dead. It works in other working sockets. Perhaps the temp gauge is the problem?

[PhillySpider]

Jumped the rheostat and they're working. Looks like I'll be fixing or replacing that item now . Always something to do, fun

[RRoller123]

A lot of us jumper the rheostat permanently, to get the dash lights a little brighter.

[PhillySpider]

A lot of us jumper the rheostat permanently, to get the dash lights a little brighter.

Opening the rheo was quite easy, as was soldering a new thin wire fuse where the old one burned out. I twisted 2 strands from a 22awg wire and had at it. Works as it's meant to and I doubt it'll fail after this. You'd never know I was in there...What can I say, I like the originality. Other than the aftermarket radio from the PO and my replacement stubby antenna she's all original. I do think that I'll make her "truer" to FIAT's intent one day and go with a lowering spring bringing her to the stock euro spec height. That's pretty much my winter plan for fun for her...shocks, struts, springs, and pulling the dash to repair a couple cracks. May fill and paint or re-wrap it in vinyl depending on how the repair looks. Maybe even flock it, by that wouldn't be very original Did the abarth have a flocked dash?...hmmm

[RRoller123]

Nice job! Nothing wrong with originality! Brad A is a huge fan of that, and outspoken about it too.