Best book to buy that explains how to work on a 66 Toronado

[Checkov]

A person that is not a skilled mechanic and wants to remove the front support assembly would like to know what sort of book would be best to buy to help? I can see there is a body unit with the headlights, then below that some frame supports and body pieces...all connected.

I would like a Haynes type book that would say " first take off these bolts then remove this support etc...".

Would a Fisher Toronado repair manual do this like they sell on ebay? Is their something better or is there even anything like that that exists?

I have found a few diagrams and schematics on the Internet that show exploded views of hundreds of nuts, bolts and sundry parts all connected with a web like maze of lines. This doesn't really help me. I mean my experience is that just to randomly start removing nuts and bolts without a plan doesnt normally end well.

Thank you for any help.

Checkov-- 1966 Toronado

PS have any of you did this job?

[Otto Skorzeny]

Hi Checkov,

First, I would purchase the 1966 Oldsmobile Chassis Service Manual published by GM. Get the hard copy, not the CD.

Like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1966-OLDSMOBILE ... 3d&vxp=mtr

It's written for the dealership service mechanics so there is an assumption that the reader has basic mechanical skills. It has instructions and diagrams in the chassis sheet metal section that will probably answer your questions but it is not a step-by-step instruction.

Even though it's not written in the style of a Hayne's manual, it is an invaluable source of information.

I'm not aware of a Hayne's type manual available for a '66 Toro.

Regardless of what book you decide to use, document every nut and bolt removal with photographs. Take pictures before you remove anything and continue taking pictures throughout the process. Take close ups of specific wire connections, nut and bolt and washer configuration, etc.

Keep a notepad handy and write explicit messages to yourself about everything you're doing. Draw pictures if necessary.

Believe me, you think you'll remember simple things like what bolt goes in what hole but as soon as the parts are disassembled you will forget exactly how things were.

Store the parts for each system together. Put all fasteners in ziplock bags and clearly label them with a Sharpie and put the bags in the box with their corresponding parts. Label the boxes.

[gmrocket]

Couldn't agree more with Otto - the "shop manual" is the best, once you get used to its layout. My '67 manual has the all-Olds sections in the front and then the unique Toro stuff in its own section in the back. You eventually figure out what's Toro-unique and what's not, bouncing between the sections.

I went with an original back in the mid 90s because some of the reproduction manuals didn't have the best graphics with their copies but I suspect that's been resolved now. Have fun!

[bcroe]

I would add, front ends are dangerous (because of the car weight & all the energy stored
in the springs). This is not a good place for someone without much experience to start.
Bruce Roe

[Otto Skorzeny]

I interpreted his comments to refer to the front end sheet metal, not the suspension.

I think he's trying to fix the rusted radiator support.

[Checkov]

Yes, sorry for the confusion. I believe radiator support assembly is correct.

Thanks again.

[Eightballz]

you can download the shop manual at www.wildaboutcars.com for free!!

[Otto Skorzeny]

That's pretty good. If you don't have a high quality printer with lots of ink, go to Office Depot or one of their competitors and print it out on their machine.

They sometimes give you a reduced rate for large jobs. See if you can get it down to 2 cents per page for the whole thing.

Read through it online and make notes of the relevant pages in the non Toronado section and just print out what you are likely to need to save money.

[Checkov]

Well men,

Thanks for your advice. I used the resources online and some of your advice and a lot of just shaking it and looking for the hidden bolts and got the radiator support removed.

Now I must find a replacement. I'm going to check with a machine shop and then off on a 2 hour drive to a supposedly complete 67 Toro for 500 dollars....keeping my fingers crossed its not completely rusted out.

"Checkov"

[Doc Hubler]

Looks like the battery corroded part of that away, but the center and left section are probably fine. If you can get a good one off a parts car, you're in luck, although many are similiar condition to this one I bet.