Forney F-1 Instrument Panel Lighting

They should be running thru a rheostat to change the brightness of the lights, mine are wired into the nav light circuit.

Hello,
I'm new to the Coupe world after flying Fred Weick's other design (Cherokees) for about 40 years.
I have a question about cockpit lighting. I have inserted a picture as the panel lighting issue may apply to Ercoupes and Forneys as well.

At first I didn't know I had panel lighting as there was a plastic panel overlay covering the lights.
On finding the lights, I don't know if they are operational.
The nav lights work. I tried every switch and checked all the fuses I could find.
Should these lights go on with the nav lights?
I can't find a switch that operates them thus they may be disconnected.
Prior owner is deceased thus I can't ask.
Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.
Ken