Need some help: removing instrument bezel on non-Rallye 70 Challenger

[dakota]

I'm in the middle of replacing the dash pad on my 70 Challenger.   I'm using removal instructions that followed a Rallye dash removal at Just Dashes.  The instructions worked great until I got to the part of where I'm supposed to pull the instrument bezel out.  The non-Rallye dash on my car has a small flange on the right end that is tucked under part of the metal frame (see picture).  After several attempts, I don't see any way to maneuver the bezel away from the dash that doesn't seriously risk breaking something.  Without being able to remove the bezel, I can't reach the instrument cluster and disconnect the wire leads to the gauges which (I think) I need to do before I can pull the dash assembly.   I've lowered the steering column to get the extra inch or so of play.   Do I need to take the column out completely?  What am I missing here?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.   Thanks.

[Racer57]

Remove 2 of the 3 bolts that hold the column to the firewall and the 2 nuts directly under the dash that hold the column. Remove the left side panel that has the headlight switch etc. Remove the ashtray. Feel inside on the left side and there's 2 screws that hold the plastic in place. Remove them and the panel will move/flex enough to allow you to remove the bezel.

[dodj]

That end of the bezel is a tight fit. If it is loose, with all screws removed, and the column lowered a bit, you need to move the left end of the bezel outward to try to 'rotate' the right end out from the dash pad. As racer said, you need to to take advantage of the plastics flexibility, just not tooo much. If you still can't get it out you can loosen/remove the dash pad nuts by the ashtray to give you a little more wiggle room. 

[dakota]

Scott and Racer - thanks for the advice.   It's out! http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/Smileys/default/woohoo.gif  I'd already had 2 casualties on plastic parts during the early stages of the dash removal, so I didn't want to push my luck with the instrument bezel.  Loosening the base of the steering column gave me just enough extra room to flex the bezel without trashing it.  Much obliged.