cdplayer and Hatterasguy, I agree with you. I was told, the first time around, when my pristine wood panel was scatched/chipped, that it was removed but a bit differently from what cdplayer describes.

Ashstray and radio were removed. Then, they said they had to remove the switches since the wood panel slides down (i.e. the panel can't be pulled out and away from the switches). In fact, they said the damage happened when trying to remove the switches before sliding the wood panel down.

Like I said, the panel WAS in perfect condition. The shop also said they are worried about removing the panel since it's 20 yrs old...said the wood gets brittle over time. They are willing to replace the panel with a new one if they can find one but even in this scenario they claim new/boxed wood panels have carcked on them during installation. Needless to say it creates plenty of doubt in my mind..even just replacing the switch and living with the chips (not to sure if the chips could be touched up with stain?).