Any Tips for Dash Removal?

I just used some slightly shorter screws. They were difficult to start because everything was "loose and not compressed" so I used some factory length screws to get things started and cinch it down a bit, then pulled them out and put in the shorter ones. I don't remember I'm guessing the final screws were ?1/2"? long. The screws impinge into the gasket slightly, but not much.

Redfish (member here) is the expert on this deal, he is the one got me interested

On my 67 I did not have to destroy anything because the windshield leaked. So I pulled the glass, removed the dash screws, then had the windshield gasket replaced. Later I re-installed the clips upside down and re-installed the dash.

I had the dash powder coated, but unfortunately it developed a large "rust gash" which so far as I know must have been from damage under the powder coat. It has sat now for several years, so at some point I'll have to do it all over to fix the dash