Turn Signal switch & steering column

[DW67c10]

I am in the prossess of of swaping the shifter cone on my 72 3sp, its worn where the pin hold the shifter. I never thought it would be such a pain to get everthing apart. My question is how do you remove the wiring for the turn signal switch. I have ordered a new turn signal switch because the old one is pretty worn out & I don't want to take it apart twice.
I also put in a new dash pad what a pain to get all the nuts off under the dash. Now I know why they sell that slip on cover.
Any tips on working on the steering column would be appreciated.
Also has anyone ever modified a steering column to bring the steering wheel closer to the dash? I don't like the way the wheel sits on my lap