Removing Cutlass Dash / Steering Column. HELP!

[rIbBaD]

I am attempting to remove the dash/steering column from my 85 Cutty to swap into my other Cutlass, but im at a stand still I cant get the dash off its stuck on something around the steering column I dropped the steering column as low as it would go but still cant get the dash off without wrecking it. So.. I would like to take the steering column completely off as I need it off anyway but I cant get it through the firewall because of a bracket on the back right beside the firewall. Any advice for taking this off, to get the steering column out? Also how can I get the dash out as well, something around where the steering column is holding me back.

Thanks,
Riley

 

[Bonnewagon]

Pull the column, it makes life easier. That bracket is the backdrive/shift linkage, disconnect the rod and fish the column through the firewall opening. A helper will make it easier. Once that is out, see where the column was under the dash? Look straight up in the center and you will see a bolt, it holds the column mount bracket to the firewall brace and the dash is held in by all this.

 

[pimplogic]

did you unsrew the dash at the speakers? at the top vents? bottom behind the radio? bottom of dash far left and far right?

 

[rIbBaD]

So I got the dash out, but I made a hairline crack in it right above the steering wheel 🙁, Oh well its not noticable, but I still can't get the steering column out, because that bracket is stopping me, any idea how to get that bracket off? I took the bolt out but I cant fish it through cause of that bracket. Thanks

 

[Bonnewagon]

It 's the one about 4" long with the grommet at the end right? It should pass through. Why not just bend it back to clear, then rebend it later?

 

[MrHernandez]

Just took my dash out 3 days ago....had the same problem.....you'll have to take out your whole gauge cluster assembly and there is a blue thing that says "ac" on it, there is a screw there and along the wiring harness that runs behind the dash are 2 more i believe, also where your headlight and wiper switches plug in those are holding it also....hope i made sense and hope it helped......I was told just 5 or 7 bolts, HA! my *ss!