Gauge cluster removal wtfcat =(

How the crap do you get that cluster out of there? I was poking around, got it all disconnected, but I can't get the plastic cover that is infront of it off!, I disconnected it, but no matter what way I twist it around or try to squease it out it won't fit. Seems the Tilt wheel lever is obstructing it from coming out. (I already removed the plastic cover from behind the wheel, and the bottom cover.) Once that plastic thing is gone, the cluster looks like it will slide right out, already have it unscrewed.

Also assuming I can actualy get that out of there without breaking it, how much crap will I have to remove to actualy take the cluster out of the car?

Also After I totaly botch this up and break all my gauges, how much will it cost me to take it to a shop and have a mechanic undo my damage?

have to drop the steering column....

have to drop the steering column....
Ok got it off, I was thinking to pull it from the top or something, thats why I wasn't getting anywhere. Thanks

Another question, after removing the cluster from the car, and re installing it, none of the gauges work, the clock is off, but the check engine light is on (untill I start the car up). How bad did I just screw my self? As far as I can tell all of the wires in the back have been reconnected properly.. Any one have an idea what I borked up?

EDIT: I just realised that I had the battery hooked up the whole time and that I probably blasted the fuses, I'm gonna go poke around and check them out. =(

the check engine light is suppose to come on before you start the engine. taht is normal. if it flashes when your engine comes on, then you have a code. When i took out my cluster(many times) I still had teh battery in and everything would be fine. Just curious what did you do?(I mean why you take out the cluster) Also if didn't ground yourself(touching metal before the cluster) you would send static electricity to the gauge which can mess up the circuits.(just like a computer motherboard,etc.) And when you say gauges, can you please be more specific? Like which one exactly...kinda want to know the symptoms.