both of the dash indicator lights stay on the preponderance of the time.
when i use the turn indicator to alert people that i am turning the opposite dash indicator light begins to blink. the appropriate turn indicator lights blink so it is just the dash that is the issue.. occassionally the lights are not on and the proper dash indicator light blinks when i use the turn indicator.

anyone know the answer to this one?

Check all the grounds first. Start with the one above the fuse panel. Clean them and re-tighten. The fact that you say different lamps flash can be an indication of an open or intermittent ground.

The flasher relay may be bad too but check all the grounds on the car. I think there are 8 different places to check. Dash, Battery, under relay board, left headlight, right head light, left taillight, right taillight, Tranny strap.

Clean all the corrosion of paint off all these places, then you can trouble shoot further.