When I turn the vehicle on the speedo and rpm dials are nice and bright. As soon as the vehicle starts the speedo and rpm dials are barely readable. What gives??

 

does it happen after something else gets turned on? I'd suspect there's a ground wire issue somewhere...

 

If I start the car with everything turned off the dash lights work fine. Once they are on can turn accessories on and dash lights remain.
Think your suggestion that there is a ground problem is right. Now, where do I start looking for grounds?