remove steering wheel to remove steering column?

[fast_phish]

Hi,
1970 Barracuda 4spd: The factory service manual describes a number of steps involving disassembly/removal of the steering wheel itself prior to removing the steering column. Is this really necessary?  I don't have any need or any plans to do anything more with the column other than re-install it when the body work is done, so I'm trying to save some work if I can.

Thanks!
Eric.

[dodj]

Not really necessary, but removing the wheel is only three nuts. Will make removing the column easier.

[4Cruizn]

   doesn't take much to pull the wheel off . . .