Dash Face Removal - NEED HELP

I am replacing the dash face in my '88 911 because of a small crack caused years ago when someone tried to steal the radio. This is the piece that goes between the glove box and the steering wheel, around the radio and the cabin air controls. My problem is the faceplate on the air control cluster. How does the plate come off, or the assembly come out of the dash?
Hopefully someone that has parted a car out or been deep into the dash will know. I just don't want to bend or break any plastic.
TIA
Tom

The faceplate on the dash air controls is not removable, because it's integrated into the mechanism. The bulb sockets on mine were broken off, so I bought a new mechanism, thinking I could simply swap out the faceplate. When I received the new (used) one, I was quite surprised to find that the entire mechanism must be replaced.

I haven't tackled mine yet, but there is only a single bolt holding the unit in place, which is located on a bracket that extends from the mechanism to the trunk wall. I did remove the bolt, but the mechanism only pulls out an inch before things start binding. It looks to me like the cables have to be removed, but getting to the small retainer bolts looks nightmarish. Turning it sideways won't work, because the mechanism is deeper than the opening is wide.

I've been told to unhook the cables from the assembly in the trunk, but they are still extending out at a 90 degree angle from the mechanism, so it looks like they'll still interfere with the removal.

Now that I've told you all the ways that it can't be removed (this will hopefully save you some trial and error time), perhaps someone will chime in and give the miraculous tip we're all looking for!!

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Michael
'78 911SC Euro

Undo the bolt in the back holding it in, then move it as far forward as possible. The if you get the new piece of facing over the heater controls first at some crazy angle you are home free

Dante Oliverio

Dante and Michael, I thank you. I did not know about the single bolt. I believe that getting the air control out an inch or so will give me the room I need to get the plate over it.
Thanks