First Time Owner of a 1966 Toronado

[Jim Gray]

I wanted to take this opportunity to join this forum. I have just acquired a 1966 Toronado. I am wanting to learn about sourcing NOS parts and technical information. I have much to learn as a new owner. The vehicle I acquired is in good shape and needs some work from being in it's garage for many years. I purchased the car from the original owners family.

Look forwrad to meeting other members that own 1966 Toronado's

Jim

[Tuco]

Welcome Jim.

There are some knowledge people on here. Always willing to help out.

What kind of work do you need to do on your Toro?

Be sure to post pics when you can.

[Jim Gray]

I have recently unloaded the 66 Toro last Saturday the 18th into my warehouse. I am just starting to review and make a list. The car has been parked in a garage for many years. My goal is to start the Toro engine. The family I bought the Toro from cannot find the keys or title. I am going to order 66 GM NOS key blanks and hire a lock smith to come out to my warehouse and make keys for ignition doors,trunk as well as glove box.
I ordered an NOS owners manual. I cannot locate the hood release. I need information to accomplish this little task. I will take pictures this weekend and post to the forum.
As you can see I have much to learn about this 66 Toro. This is not my first rodeo with acquiring classic cars. I have been a hobbyist for a long time. When I was a young man I owned a 66 Riviera. I dated my wife of 44 years in the Riviera

Jim

[Otto Skorzeny]

The hood release is directly under the center of the front bumper. Pull it straight out.

Are you a a car guy? In other words, do you know what to do prior to attempting to start an engine that's been dormant for years? If not, don't just stick a key in the ignition and turn it on. If you do, you risk doing serious damage to the engine.

[Jim Gray]

Thanks for tip on the hood release. I will review the Toro this Saturday for a good understanding of what I am dealing with under the hood. I will not start the engine when I get keys made. I will be checking things over for bad wiring and fluid levels. I will not run fuel from the gas tank. I plan to check compression on all cylinders. I also want to get up under the dash and look at wiring and the fuse box.

Any other recommendation will be appreciated. I will post pictures this weekend.

Thanks,
Jim

[Otto Skorzeny]

I would remove all the spark plugs and put some oil down the holes and try to turn the engine over by hand to make sure it's not seized up. Depending on what the oil on the dipstick looks like, you may want to remove the oil pan as well to clean out any sludge or water.

If it moves by hand then do all the other pre start things.

Replace oil and filter, wires, plugs, points, cap rotor.

Turn engine over with dizzy disconnected to get oil up on the cylinder walls before trying to start it for real.

[Otto Skorzeny]

You should buy this factory service manual, too.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1966-Oldsmobil ... SwGTBe8nDq

[Jim Gray]

I wanted to share my update. I have attached a few images of the newly acquired 66 Toro. Went to warehouse and located the broken T-handle to release the hood. Had to get pliers to pull release. Success was short lived, it popped latch and hood raised up about an inch. However, the release at the latch/hood did not fully engage in order for me to lift hood with my hands. I will need some help to see if there is a adjustment to fully release latch.
For another day

I did order a service manual as you suggested.

Thanks all you 66 Toro owners!

Jim

[Otto Skorzeny]

Close the hood all the way. Push it down so it's firmly latched. Then, pull the release lever and keep it pulled all the way out tight while you or a helper quickly gets his fingers in the gap and continues lifting the hood.

There is a piece of spring steel that helps push the hood open. These usually get a little weak with age. I installed a second one on my car so I now have extra oomph! to push the hood past the secondary latch.

I installed the one on the passenger side. Driver side is original.

[Jim Gray]

Otto,

Thank you for the tip. I will give your method a try. I need to find a helper to assist me. The hood seems very heavy.

On another note on the "T-Handle Pull". I have been looking around for a replacement. Looks like from my search this is a rare item. Have any suggestions where I should look?

Jim