EC-7 is correct, 60 to 90 volts - depending on the dimmer setting via the front dimmer.
First, replace the meter lamp to make sure the meter dimmer circuit is working. The meter lamp dimmer module is also part of the high voltage EL driver. So make sure at least that part is working properly.
If your getting 90V AC at the EL ribbon socket, then it's time to check the EL face panel to see if it still works. VERY VERY CAREFULLY from the wall outlet, apply 120V AV to the two termimals on the EL input ribon cable for a few seconds. If good it will illumiate, if not, its bad. The EL faceplate will be at 1/2 or less the output after 4000 hours. EL panels used in these Corbra's are only good for 3000-4000 burn life.
There should be slight resistance when you insert the EL ribbon cable into the socket. There needs to be a physical connection with the EL ribbon cable and EL driver socket. The ribbon cable contains conductive ink to make the connection. If it's damaged or scraped off, then it can not make a good solid connection. Try cutting off 1/8 inch of the EL ribbon cable, then move the EL socket 1/8 inch closer to the front of the radio.
If your looking for an illumiated faceplate CB that will last forever, then a Uniden PC-78 Elite is the only way to go. It uses LEDS to light up the front face. LEDS can burn for 100,000 hours or longer. Uniden chose bright LEDS for the faceplate, and used high value resistor to really dim them down. So these LEDS are running at a much lower current than rated, so I'd expect them to last 100,000 + hrs.
