1959 Cadillac dash top removal.
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- Like many before me equipped with a 59 Cadillac service manual and having reviewed the few CZcams videos before this one, it still was not clear to me the best way to remove the dash cap and I had a lot of anxiety about it. My dash pad was already split so I wasn't worried about that.
The reason for the R& I of my dash was because the dash lights would not illuminate after adjusting the headlight switch rheostat. The goal was to replace all dash cluster bulbs with LEDs, and check my headlight switch.
After a thorough cursory inspection I just decided to have at it.
First, disconnect your battery.
I started by removing the dash bezel screws on the right side of the dash that went up into the underside of the dash pad. I then removed any screws that were visible on the left side of the steering column.
The trip odometer lever protrudes down just to the right side of the steering column on the underside of the dash. Gently, firmly pull straight down on the plastic knob to remove it. Then using a half inch deep well socket remove the retaining nut. This will allow you to push that lever straight up thru the opening out of your way.
The headlight switch proved to be the toughest mystery for me to solve. One issue is access. My car was equipped with factory air which meant i had some extra duct work in the way on the left side. Also, the fuse block was retained by two Philips head screws. By removing one screw, that allowed me to pivot the fuse block out of my way for better access. As it turned out I did not have to disconnect the AC duct at the vent but was able instead to reach above it for the headlight switch release button.
Feeling around behind the headlight switch, I manually detected the spring loaded button that the service manual refers to that should release the headlight pull knob & shaft. This is the part that was not explained to me--- which was to pull the headlight switch all the way out first. Then, while squeezing the button with your right hand wiggle and pull on the headlight switch knob with your left hand until it is free. It will probably require some wiggling of that shaft to come out. In my case, I had to squeeze that button several times and wiggle the shaft simultaneously until it finally came out freely.
The headlight switch is retained by a nut threaded on a shaft through the dash. I was able to use needle nose pliers to carefully turn the nut counterclockwise until it came out, which allowed me to pull the headlight switch into the backside of the dash area out of the way from where it was retained.
If you plan to remove the headlight switch, be sure to note the orientation of the three WHITE connectors. I think they only go on 1 way.
As it turned out, it is not necessary to disconnect any wiring from the cruise control, headlight switch, ignition switch, or clock is it will all come up with the dash top.
Because the heavy chrome - cluster is made into the dash cap, they recommend that two people try to pull the dash forward and lift at the same time. I was cautioned to be wary of the shift needle but in my case it came out. I am not sure even as I type this if I damaged it or not but I think I got lucky.
Be sure to have a 4-inch block available to stick between the dash pad and the lower dash itself. If you look carefully, there are hooks against the firewall that the back of the dash pad hooks into. I did not have any issue with these in my experience by pulling forward and lifting the dash pad upward simultaneously.
I was able to find the dash cluster incandescent light bulb descriptions online and purchased the equivalent LED version of it for replacement. One note here is that the super bright white LEDs are reportedly almost overpowering so the soft glow LED looks more correct I'm told.
As I understand it, you cannot completely remove the dash cap until the steering wheel has been pulled.
You're welcome to ask questions & I will try to help where I can.
Fear not! Go forth into that Cadillac dash!
Thank you for preserving such a beautiful car, you can be seen in Russia too! Peace and tranquility to everyone
Regarding the shift indicator pointer, it must be removed before lifting up the dashpad/instrument cluster assembly to prevent it from being damaged. To access the fastener for the pointer, remove the lower dash/steering column cover. Move the shift lever to Drive for access to the fastener on the right side of the column, then remove the fastener, spacer and pointer assembly. Reinstall the pointer after the dashpad/instrument cluster assembly is installed. Place the transmission in Drive and adjust the pointer so that it aligns with the Drive position on the indicator.
Thanks!
Would love to see a video of you running through the harness where connections go a such.
Hey Joshua, I have my 59 Cadillac - back in order and put back together so it would be difficult to do a video of that now. If there's something you're looking for specifically, I can look for that and tell you where the connections are, but that's the best I can offer
Good info. I have a 59 as well so any info you put out there is appreciated👍🏻 plus It would be nice of your could do a walk around of your car . Thanks
Will do
I have pulled the upper dash with steering wheel and mirror still in the car. Easier with 2 people so each can watch their side as it slides out pass door
Where the video ends you just have to pull wiring plugs off, speedo cable and should be good. Follow other comment re shift indicator it should be removed and may as well paint it while it's out
Yep! Thanks. Reassembling today
I failed to mention that if you have an autronic eye on your dash top, you'll need to remove it. I took my cardboard glovebox out to see and have the necessary access needed. Mine had 2 screws to the underside dash bracket and 1 "pin" that retained the autronic eye to the shaft. Not that tough.
What's the name of that 59's website???
FB 59 Cadillac Enthusiast, and 59/60 Cad register and 59ers
@@CA-bv2su
Thanks!!