Dash lights will dim or go out almost completely. A good bang on the dash will make them come back on. ne ideas?

 

Banging on the dash sounds like a coincidence, more than likely you have a bad headight switch.
Next time they dim or go out, slightly pul out and in on the headlight switch and turn the dimmer to see if you get them back. The headight switch is in stock at autozone for less than $10 and easy to replace.

 

Yes maybe a bad switch or a bad ground or a bad wire.