<VV> Late Model (65-66) Instrument Cluster Removal

[shortle]

Hi Bill, A good assortment of hand tools also comes in handy. I have taken "cheap" wrenches and cut them down/cut them in half just to gain access to hard to reach areas. In other words, make your own special tools. Of course I don't use my expensive Snap On tools for this but others, yes. As far as a P gear and factory floor PG shifter,
we all know the orders had come down for no more engineering on the Corvair, just mandatory smog and safety. Sorry we can't have everything until the next life. If we do get the right place. Keep the faith.
Timothy Shortle in Durango Colorado 81301 


-----Original Message-----
>From: "J. R. Read via VirtualVairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>Sent: Dec 13, 2014 9:49 PM
>To: "Bill H." <gojoe283 at yahoo.com>, AAVV <VirtualVairs at Corvair.org>
>Subject: Re: <VV> Late Model (65-66) Instrument Cluster Removal
>
>I sure don't remember all those troubles to get the dash out.  You have to
>remove the U shape hanger for the steering column and put a towel between
>the column and the center of the dash to avoid scratches.  Pull the column
>down far enough to get the dash past and then you can reach the nuts which
>hold the shift indicator.
>
>Note:  Over 20 yrs since I had a PG - so the above is subject to IIRC.  I
>don't recall if you have to get upside down (head on the floor) under the
>dash, but maybe, maybe not.
>
>Later, JR
>
>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "Bill H. via VirtualVairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2014 5:22 PM
>Subject: <VV> Late Model (65-66) Instrument Cluster Removal
>
>
>> B"H
>> After struggling with trying to remove the dash cluster on my 66 Monza, I
>> found two areas that can be madding: First, removing the retaining nut
>> that holds the Powerglide shifter cable to the shifter mechansim, and
>> second, maneuvering the cluster out of the dash after all connections have
>> been removed (part of the Powerglide shifter gets in the way, again), the
>> steering wheel removed, and the clamp under the column (held by two large
>> bolts) removed to allow the cluster to clear the steering column. I
>> suspect owners of manual shift cars don't have these hassles, but I found
>> one tip for owners of late 65 and 66 automatic models that makes it easier
>> to slide the cluster out of the dash:
>> Remove the three bolts that hold the steering column flange to the floor.
>> This allows the column to be lowered even further, thus letting you slide
>> the cluster out of the dash without a struggle or scratching the paint.
>> Regarding removing the retaining nut for the Powerglide cable, the best
>> answer I could find was to put it back on finger tight only (after holding
>> it firmly to the shifter mechanism) so the next time you need to remove
>> it, you only need to use your fingers (or a screwdriver to move it
>> slightly) to remove it next time.
>> If anyone has better suggestions, I'd be interested to hear. I removed my
>> dash to repaint it and make minor repairs.
>> I love my car, but I wish the designers had built the Powerglide cars with
>> a nice console and floor shifter instead of that dash thingy! And a Park
>> position would have been nice too. But hey, you can't have everything!
>> Best wishes...Bill Hershkowitz 66 Monza Sport Sedan 110/PG/AC
>
>
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