Electrical Problem with Conversion Lighting

Hello board. I have my first problem for you all to hopefully help me solve.

I just purchased an '85 Dodge Ram 250 and it has running lights along with the "airplane lights" ,as I like to call them, in the ceiling. There is a control panel in the ceiling near the drivers seat with four fuses and four switches. They light up orange when on and they control the lighting I just described. Well last night I had them all on and was showing a friend, when they all just went out. Now when I flip the switches, neither the switch turns orange, nor do the lights turn on. I checked the fuses and they are ok. I was told to check the switches as well. Any feedback? Tips?

As well, I purchased the van from some friends who used it for their band, so I am not too woried about shady stories and it's condition. They did however tell me that the Van was originally owned in a cold weather state and that it had some kind of choke implemented on it. Supposedly you engage it by pushing the pedal down all the way before starting it and then I think they said something about disengaging it by pressing the break. They didn't sound sure on how it all worked themselves.

Do any of you know anything about this possible choke?

Thanks again,
Jameson

All cars and vans have 'chokes' if they have a carbuetor. It is correct to state that the choke is set buy pushing the gas pedal to the floor. After starting, a device called a 'choke pull-off' (when operating correctly), adjusts the amount of choke needed to run smoothly. Pressing the break has no effect.

Ted