dash install help needed?

Just tried to install my completed dash for the 72 Demon. IU think I screwed up as it does not want to sit right. the two studs that pull the steering column up were actually in place when I installed it and it seem bound up. I dropped the steering column and now I think I actually see that the lower dash from has two rather large holes that are spaced the same distance apart as the steering column studs. Am I to assume that the studs need to pass thru these two holes to help support the dash in that area? So I can't pull the dash down to pop over these two studs. I am thinking I should remove the studs out of the welded nuts and re-install them after the dash goes in.?? Is that my issue here. Thanks.....