66 Special Dashpad removal??

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by jayem12, Oct 24, 2020.

  1. jayem12

    jayem12 Member

    Hi,

    Does anyone have tips or instructions how to remove the dashpad safely on a 66 Special/Skylark?

    My dashpad is in good shape and dont want to ruin it. Need to get to the speedo to fix some burnt out lights.

    Any help is appreciated!
     
  2. Nailhead in a 1967

    Nailhead in a 1967 Kell-Mnown Wember

    Buy a 1966 Buick Chassis Service Manual.

    Here's a scan of the dashpad:

    1966dash1.jpg 1966dash2.jpg



    66instruments.jpg

    instr66.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2020
  3. jayem12

    jayem12 Member

    Thank you very much!!
     
  4. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    If you do need to remove the dashpad, be careful with the pins/clips at the lower ends, they're a tight fit. Don't try to pry the ends off, instead, get to the backside and open up the clips a little with a flat blade screwdriver to allow the pin to easily pop out.
    If you need to remove the whole dash, there's also a screw above the steering column..... you have to drop the column down to get to it.

    Hopefully you can get to all the bulbs without resorting to removing the whole dash.
     
  5. jayem12

    jayem12 Member

    Thanks for the advice. I am really careful and hesitant to use much force in the removal, it seems the pad is very tight and in there. What do you mean by backside for the clips and how many are there? Should I pull straight out towards the back or is there some trick to this?
     
  6. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    Go under the dash to get to the pin/clip. These are at the lower ends of the dash pad, one at each end. The dash pad has the pin, the dash sheetmetal has the clip. The pin fits tightly into the clip. Sometimes you can just pull the dash free from those clips. Prying the ends of the pad from the dash is risky. But best bet is to get to the backside and open up the clip a little to allow the pin to come out easier.
    Once the lower ends of the pad are freed (and screws removed from top edge) the pad hinges up to unhook at the top edge of pad.
     

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