Need some tips...

...on an easier way of taking out the steering column shroud aside from going through the steering wheel and down. This is my problem basically, I failed my safety inspection because the tilt on the steering wheel is loose. And for you 84 cutlass owners out there, you know what I'm talkin' about: the pain of taking out the accessories underneath the steering wheel...the lock nut, the horn, the wiring, the lock ring, the spring, and the bearing spacer. I've only gone as far as the bearing spacer....replaced that peice of crap with a bicycle hub bearing since you can only find that part from a dealer. Anyways, if there are any experienced mechanics or self mechanics out there, is there an easier way, coz I'm at the point where I'm just going to use a reciprocating saw to cut my shroud open.