After reading all of this banter today I decided to tackle this job myself. I will have to say that it is not that bad of a job.
Also there is some benefits of being able to access other components while the dash is open. I found that the most difficult task was re-seating the dash in the correct position, especially at the windshield. There is a lip that needs to be below the windshield seal. I took two pics while the dash was off. The vacuum pod for the center vents is the pink one. I had once to though that it might be possible to replace it without the dash removal, but now I think that it the only way to go. Also I am not sure how difficult it would be to release the damper actuator arm from the damper. (see the Dash-2 pic) As for being able to replace just the diaphragm, I don’t think it’s possible to release the catches without having access to all sides if the pod. At any rate, now mine are done, and I wont really mind doing it again if required.
Robert
Ps See you guys next Saturday !
http://home.attbi.com/~frickfamily/Dash-1.jpg
http://home.attbi.com/~frickfamily/Dash-2.jpg