I'm trying to set up my van's two dome lamps so that they dim after a short delay (10 seconds or so), exactly like the ignition switch lamp delay option.

My question is this- do I need to use one delay relay per dome lamp, or can I wire it so both lamps are controlled by one delay relay? I plan to use an ignition lamp harness setup for the dome lamps, but I'm not quite sure how to properly wire it.

Black and brown wires are the only two wires running to each dome lamp, with the brown being hot power and the black being the ground wire controlled by the door jamb switches. The van uses four jamb switches if that makes a difference.

I believe the old relays are a function of current generating heat to make them work not a given time.
If that is correct I would try one relay and see how
much time you get with that. I bought a new relay
for my A body last fall so I know they are readily available.

As for the wiring, should be fairly straight forward. A wiring diagram will give you the pass
through circuit.

This sounds interesting as I just got my van back on the road, this would be a great idea.

I'd give it a shot with the one time delay also...I'm not sure on the rated output of the delay...As stated it's just a metal strip wound with a small wire that heats up and bends away from the contacts...Anyhow it's a cool idea and if it does'nt work you could snag a newer{and probably solid state} unit out of a vehicle and give it a dedicated circuit....

Done this- use the time delay to trip a 10-20 amp relay- the relay then will turn on the dome lamps.

it can do one lamp- after that the contact of the delay is small and will burn out!

I figured it out this weekend and used one delay relay per dome lmap. I'll try to post a quickie digram for those who may be interested.

The diagram would be great! I would love to try this on my van.

Dont forget us!

Forget who?

I'll write something up after I take some pics, hopefully this weekend.

That is very cool!!