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It's in a bad spot. This will not be a low-effort repair I'm afraid, and if you're intent on a tight HVAC vaccum system it's essential to get at this part. There are two options. Firewall option: If you can get your hands on a '66 manual there's a method described for accessing it through the firewall by removing the fan body and reaching through. I've done that; it's very difficult, but possible. It's literally mounted to the top of the fan housing by two screws inside of the A/C plenum under the dash. There are three vacuum hoses attached to it from outside (above) the valve. I'm attaching a picture of my A/C plenum removed from the car, partially disassembled, and a pic of the valve as it looks if you could see through the dashboard. You can not access it from inside the car under the dash, unless your are removing the dashboard, which is the second option. This is not an easy job. But it can be done by anyone with time and wrenches. Removing the dashboard is a major job, but the huge payoff is you are given the freedom to easily restore so many frail or weakened issues with ease and accessibility. Shout if I can help--good luck!
Thinking about it, the firewall option, though less work, isn't going to help you replace all your vacuum hoses. If you don't want a dashboard removal project, here's an idea. In my experience, most of the time these hoses are pretty supple except right at the very ends where they engage the vac motor or the control head. Clip the last inch of the old hose at both ends and splice in a length of new hose that will better grip the nipple. If you try pulling the valve down through the firewall you'll have to lengthen those three hoses anyway just to get a working length. Just one idea. Good luck.
