w124 lower driver side dash removal

[DickJ]

I am trying to remove the driver side lower dash by the steering column to remove the cruise control amplifier on my 1995 e300d w124 (body style). There is a black plastic cover just above the accelator and brake pedal. This is easily removed by one screw on the right side. Next, I removed the two screws holding the small lower dash below the steering column. The emergency brake release is part of this dash which is held by 3 screws. Once I remove the 2 lower screws on the panel, that is where I get stuck. Do I need to disconnect the emergency brake assembly? The panel seems to be press fit or held by other restraints along the top edge of the panel from the ignition key to emergency brake handle. The panel is loose (not pulled away) from the ignition key area but does not want to come off. The panel seems to be hinged or press fit into restraints along the top edge. Is there another screw or restraint that needs to be removed? Do I just need to pull harder? Please advise....thanks. Dick J