What is the proper way to remove radio from my 72 swinger

Hello all. I want to remove the stereo from my 72 swinger. Its a panasonic am fm tape player. I think it is causing my battery drain. I pullled the fuse which also kills my signal lights and the drain is gone. The stereo just plays tapes and has very poor reception so its gotta go. There is a square hole sawn out just enough to expose the ce and the knobs go through the factory doughnut molded dash spots
What way should i go to tear it out. Do I have to take out the heater box out under the dash? Anybody have photos they cpild share. Im looking for the easy oute if there is one.
Thanks