300E instrument cluster removal

[davidg]

I have removed the instrument clusters in my 123's a number of times with no problem. When I try to remove the cluster in my 124 (87) it won't budge. I took the speedo cable out of the clip on the side of the steering column near the firewall, and it has several inches of slack, but when I try to pull it out with the hooks, it comes out about 1/4" and no further. I am a big guy(6'4") and cannot fit my body underneath the dash to push it out like I could with the 123's. All the threads I read about this procedure say it is easily done, and I agree on the 123 models, but this one does not want to budge. I really want to pull my speedo and get it repaired. Any new ideas?