I am sure some of you guys have found this out, but removing the dash from a 68 442 is one heck of an adventure. I knew where the studs were located but even with that its a royal PITA. A must is to remove the instrument gauges which is most difficult to do. Took me almost an entire day to get it out and I did not break anything.

 

Once you've done it a couple times it takes about two hours as long as you take the seats out first. And I don't ever remove the gauges first

 

I will be taking mine out soon to convert to rally pack. I've been putting off as long as possible due to fear of damaging a perfectly good dash pad. Any help in locating studs, dos and don'ts confidence builders would be helpful. Thanks

 

I would not remove the dash just to take the clock and gas gauge. You will still need to pull the seats. That is a must do. Sorry but I did not find it easy getting those gauges out even with the seats and console removed. When I restored my 72 it was much easier getting the dash out. Just take your time. Here is a thread that shows where the stubs are located in case you decide to remove the dash. Maybe Mike can give a better in site on it.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-68-442-a.html

 

Like others have said, the gauges come out the front if you remove the two lower screws that hold the pod. I use a very thin butter or frosting knife to guide the gauges out. I also have a set of 1/4" drive sockets with a built in universal that work really well for getting into tight spaces

If you must remove the dash here's a thread that shows the location of the speed nuts and the center push-in stud.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...rior-help.html

 

Gary, Mike,
I appreciate your patience in once again helping a guy through this process. Sharing your comments and experience makes the difference between a fun productive hobby and just another expensive, disappointing experience. In poring over the text you provided and pictures supplied in the threads I now think it's doable. All I need now is time, 1/4" socket set w/ extensions and universal joints and a grand kid. All easily obtainable. Thanks again


Dan

 

You are so very welcome

 

OK.... I am glad I found this post. On my '68 the center instrument cluster ( where the speedo is) has several issues: 1) right turn signal lamp, 2) bright light lamp, and 3) instrument lamps, only work occasionally, I pulled the bulbs (difficult to get to) and tested them and they are all fine. I can tell that the pins on the printed circuit board (PCB) are a little loose. I am confused from this post if I have to pull the dash to remove the instrument... or if I can pull it from the front... Can someone please clear up this issue for me? I have the factory assembly manual and wiring diagrams... but don't know how it was done from the factory (My guess is that the entire dash was installed as a unit). You need tiny hands (like a 5 year old) to get to this mess... and I am 6'2 / 250 ! Ha....

 

You won't have to pull the entire dash. You would need to remove the two screws on each side of the gauge entirely and then pull the gauge from the front. Please remove the seats also. I don't know if they installed it the gauges in the dash from the factory as a complete unit, but when I get ready to reassemble it, I will have all the gauges installed in the dash. I did take all the gauges out without taking the dash out which made it much easier to get the dash out.

 

Great gh5168... now just decide when to start.... maybe I should take yoga classes first!

 

The whole dash including the gauges were installed as one unit in 68-69