Center vacuum element replacement

Hello all,

What is the best way to do this repair. I hear that I should remove the dash but how is that done, are the bolts easy to get at?

Can I do it from the side by accessing it from the glove box?

I do appreciate all of your help.

My mechanic said that he would charge me 5 hours labor to do the job. Should I expect that it would take me that long?

Why did they put that part in such a bad spot? and Why does that one have to fail and not an easy one?

(I already know the answers to the last 2 questions)

Thanks for your help

bob