'66 Tele-Column removal

[Alex Gilmour]

I'm almost ready to yank the dash apart to replace a couple of gauges, clean the lenses, fix the wiper motor, and replace the heater core. While I'm in there I plan to replace the speaker grille and get the clock restored.

Most of the posts I've read to answer my prep questions recommended removing the seats and the steering column to increase the access. I have read the service manual for the removal procedure (which was less than clear), and was wondering if there were any hidden "gotchas" or hints for the removal of the telescoping column. Its removal seems more complicated than a standard column and considering the cost of these, would I be better off not risking damage and leaving it in the car?

Thanks, Alex

'66 A/C Coupe

[Craig Nicol]

Re: '66 Tele-Column removal

I've had my tele-column out with no issues, in fact, its' removal is the same as a standard column. It is so difficult to remove the dash without scratching the top of the column, I wouldn't recommend any other approach. (To get the dash out without removing the column, you have to BEND the column down about 3 to 4" and hold it there while undoing things - it's DREADFUL!). By the way, you don't have to remove the seat.