I have been gutting the interior on my 77.One pc. to go,the drivers side dash pad that holds speedo/tach. I have been struggling! I loosened two lower bolts that support column,had a tough time getting it out from under a collar on the steering column.Now I could sure use some input on what to do next.I dont see(yet) the speedo cable,I do see a big wire harness,but I don't want to yank on it or anything else just yet.Any tricks? The 77 assembly manual gives good pictures but no step by step instruction

There are screws on the sides, and across the top of the pad to hold it on. Make sure all of these are out. Also, it's easiest for me to take the top dash-pad off first, then the speedo/tach panel. Once the top pad is off, you have more area to unplug stuff, and the speedo/tach panel will move easier.

Top pad came out easily,all screws are out,just can't seem to come towards steering wheel,where I could get a better look at whats behind.

On my 71 I had to disconnected the speedo and tach cables from underneath before it would move.

Speedo cable is disconnected,I thought the tach was electric/electronic. No cable drive on distributor. Thanks for the input so far,please keep it coming.Do the speedo and tach guages camo out with the lower dash pad or do I disconnect them and leave them in place?

No, the whole thing comes out together, and the tach is 'lectric.
If you've got all the screws out, it should tilt forward/out. Screws from the center cluster, across the top, and down the outer side, by the door? With all these out, the only thing really left holding it is the speedo cable, and maybe 30 years worth of dirt!!