[Vwdiesel] 81 Rabbit blinker on the blink etc

[Rolf Pechukas]

hey gang
I have been having blinker problems - first rapid flashing, then solid  
glowing when the lever activated
the bulbs DO come on (solid)
I replaced the relay, to no avail
I have also been noticing left headlight intermittent or dim/bright  
alternating
fuse panel shows some rust
any thoughts here? is this a known issue? do I need to replace the  
panel? any way to troubleshoot?
thanks
Rolf in MA