prying dash out to bolt up steering column

[jeffahart]

When I re-bolted up my steering column after re-installing my instrument cluster I had to pry the crap out of my dash to get the two front bolts on the plate( that holds the clutch and brake pedal bump stops) bolted up. It retracted about 3/8 inch. I could watch the instrument cluster plastic flex and I thought it was going to break.

Any tips on this. I need to pull the cluster again to do the volt meter and washer pump. Hoping to thwart the prying next time if possible.

Thanks!