Help with A/C controls on W124

[BENZ-LGB]

The wood on my 300TE's center shift surround console and ashtray was a little faded and cracked.

I was able to source a three piece set: the shift surround console, the ashtray and the the upper wood (where the A/C controls and upper toggle switches, like the switch for the power antenna and dome lights are located).

I already replaced the shift surround console and the ashtray. It was an easy job that did not even take 30 minutes (including time for cleaning around old gunked up spilled coffee, soda, etc.). That was the easy part...now for my question.

The upper wood piece that I bought has the holes arranged in a different pattern as mine. There are 7 holes in each piece for the toggle switches.

Mine has 6 holes grouped to the left and the 7th hole is all by itslef, on the right.

The new piece has the holes arranged 5 + 2 from left to right. all of the W124, form various years, have different hole pattern, some even have fewer holes.

Anyhow, I removed the top wood and I saw the plastic piece where the toggles switches reside. There are a total of 9 holes, 7 occupied and 2 open, where the toggles switches can be inserted.

It looks like a fairly simple job to move toggle switches around in order to make them fit the wood piece that I bought.

The question is this, how do I remove the black plastic housing where the A/C controls reside and where the toggle switches fit in?

I don't want to start pulling out screws and removing vacuum lines only to not being able to fit it back together again. So, are there any suggestions, tips, etc?

thank you in advance for your help.

PS I'd have posted pictures to make it easier to follow, but my kid borrowed my digi camera and I have no idea where it is right now.