Dash lighting dimmer source?

[Cocktail Time]

Guys, I am replacing my dash panels and have run into a snag. The dimmer knob that I have works great but the little allen key set screw to take off the dimmer knob is frozen tight. The new dimmer is about $80 from defender or flounder pounder. Any ideas on a different knob assembly or a different part? $80 seems pretty expensive. Here is a link to the new part-

https://www.searay-parts.com/Instrument-panel-dimmer-p/dimmer switch.htm

https://www.defender.com/product3.j...ry-dial&path=-1|328|2290051|2290052&id=803021

 

[Fill Ess]

have you tried PB Blaster or equivalent?

 

[dtfeld]

I’d have to do a little more research, but my bet this would work. It s just a dimmer circuit for EL lighting…add an appropriate potentiometer, or varistor, and you’d be done at $20.

if Electical Enginnering isn’t your thing $80 seems like an easier way to go.

 

[Skybolt]

This might be a better solution over the original and a little less expensive.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/7506/Deckhand_Dimmer_-_12V_DC_6A

Can be had from WM: https://www.westmarine.com/buy/blue-sea-systems--digital-dimmer-6a--P011975687?pCode=11975703&cm_mmc=PS-_-Google-_-GSC>NonB>Vendors-_-11975703&product_id=11975703&creative=504966948443&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk-bUxsrF8wIVCuKzCh1KBgb-EAQYByABEgJqcvD_BwE

EDIT: But as mentioned by @Phil S PB Blaster or WD40 should get that unstuck.

 

[Cocktail Time]

So far I have tried a drop of pb blaster and will see if I can get the set screw out. It is a slotted screw, not an allen head and I am leary of stripping it. But that might be a good thing to get the old knob off.

The dimmer device works. The potentiometer which is a B5K (5K ohm is on the photo from defender), also works, I just can't uninstall it as the knob is frozen in place. I have found a couple similar potentiometers on Amazon cheap that look like they have the same specs, just checking to see if someone has found a source less than $80 to $100...

If I didn't just have a dash panel cut, I would remove the dimmer altogether and just have them lit or not based on my running light switch.

 

[Cocktail Time]

This might be a better solution over the original and a little less expensive.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/7506/Deckhand_Dimmer_-_12V_DC_6A

Can be had from WM: https://www.westmarine.com/buy/blue-sea-systems--digital-dimmer-6a--P011975687?pCode=11975703&cm_mmc=PS-_-Google-_-GSC>NonB>Vendors-_-11975703&product_id=11975703&creative=504966948443&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk-bUxsrF8wIVCuKzCh1KBgb-EAQYByABEgJqcvD_BwE

Thank you, that would be great, but I would have to cut out a new carling switch opening for the panel, trying to avoid that. If I screw up removing the old one, this might work.