Dash Pad removal '72

Removing the dash pad seemed harder than I thought. The front corners fit soooo tight that it damaged the edges a bit. As low as it can get, the windshied posts still force it very tight to bring it past and out. Everything around it is already pulled off, ie top trim, L + R side trim. Higher up make it even more narrow to pull past the posts. No worries about the old pad, I am replacing it and really don't want to damage the new one when putting back together. Hints on getting this back in damage free?

Yup! It's difficult. I needed to remove the windshield to repair the posts, so I put mine in before the windshield. It also helps to slightly bend or bow the pad in order to not damage the corners.