Where can I find detailed information on removing the instrument panel on a 1966 442? Checked Chilton but the instructions are to vague to me. I need help on removing the light, wiper and ignition switches and the lighter, radio, and heat and cool controls. Thanks for any help. Also on my panel the circular area around the lighter is chrome, on a used panel I bought the area is green plastic, why the difference?

 

How about your Chassis Service Manual?

- Eric

 

Do not have a Chassis Service Manual. Could I obtain one at the library?

 

I got mine on Ebay. It was just like new. A must have if you are going to work on your car.

John

 

The Assembly Manual is also extremely useful for maintenance, especially when trying to figure out how the dash is assembled.

 

It is better to remove dash pad and instrument panel as a unit. Light switch has a button on the bottom. Push it and ****/rod assemble will come out then unscrew escushion and it comes out. Lighter socket unscrews from behind. Temp controls are bolted from behind. You need to remove cables from devices they operate. Ignition switch is a pain. You need to have key in it and turn to Acc. Then put a pin in the hole in the front and play with it wiggling key and lock cylinder will come out.

 

How difficult is it to remove the dash pad and instrument panel as a unit?

 

I just ordered a complete set of shop manuals for my '69 Cutlass from Detroit Iron. They were recommended elsewhere on this forum. I just checked and they have one for your '66 as well. I bought mine through http://www.rockauto.com

 

Found this on Ebay. Can someone tell me if this is what I need?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

Hey Tom
With this restored IP that I going to bring you ..I will give you my version of removing the IP.It goes step by step.And if you have any problems I am a phone call away.In fact I will send it to you Email address later today.I am by no means an expert at taking these things out.I have revied and replaced 10 to 20 of them..Mine maybe 9 times.
Lets just say ...I know the neighborhood.

Talk to you soon.
Ron
P.S Your dash will be the last one I restore for the season.
I am going to take a break and enjoy my car..

 

Yup, that's the one. Don't leave home without it.

- Eric

 

The book on which I provided a link to on Ebay, does that book cover F-85, Cutlass, and 442? Seller states it does but also claims to have a book for F-85.

 

The book you linked to covers all Oldsmobiles for 1966. He may also have a supplement, but I would be suprised if the supplement only covered F-85.

Also, go to www.wildaboutcars.com and join (it's free), they have the Chassis Service Manual and the Assembly Manual for your '66 online (and they're free!).

I would go ahead and buy the hard copy from eBay though. It is a decent price and it is nice to have one that's not electronic as it makes it easier to quickly reference something. Don't worry that it seems to be falling apart, they all do that and fairly quickly too.

 

Curses! I bought that $25 CD with the manuals, and they are right there on www.wildaboutcars.com

 

Might not be a total loss though. Maybe there might be a day or two where your internet service is out (storms, etc.) but your computer still works. You'd be able to access your CD still. Or Wild About Cars could go away (although I hope not), happens to web sites all the time.

 

After all the reading I have been doing concerning the removal of the instrument panel it seems as though the dash pad should be removed and the panel comes with it. Is that correct? This may sound like a stupid question but I would like to know.

 

I just did my dash and I would reciommend that...pull the dash and pad as a unit.

 

How difficult is it to remove the dash pad? Doesn't look to hard but not sure how bad it is to get to the bolts.

 

The studs stick out from behind the dash and have nuts on them. There are about 8 to 10 of them around the perimeter that are accessable from behind the dash.

 

I just pulled a 72 CS dash, I pulled all the gauges radio and glove box first and the dash studs were easy enough to get to....took about an hour

 

Definately pull it all out as one unit. Some people have even left everything connected and pulled the unit after disconnecting the harness with fusebox ( disconnect speedo cable, remove radio ***** and nuts etc.). I do have a suggestion though. Once you have removed all the mounting nuts, pull the unit forward about 4 inches and reach behind disconnect the four screws holding the heater controls in place. It's much easier than removing the cables and then hooking them backup properly.

 

Tom
I will have your dash ready in about 3 weeks and I am planning a trip to Cleveland.
Dont get worried .We will get throught this.I can help..
It will take me 4 or 5 hours ..
Ron

 

Ron helped me with mine. Definately knows what he's doing.

 

Ron, can I do any work before you get here?