Instrument Voltage Regulator / Cluster

Hey guys
2 weeks ago, my '74 A Body almost catched fire from a burnt cable or so under the dash. It started smoking but stopped after I've pulled over and turned off the engine. The battery was barbecued so I think the voltage regulator went.
Now my actual question. I think the smoke that came from under the dash is a burnt instrument cluster voltage regulator. I've tried to see something from underneath the dash but haven't seen anything. Now, do i have to remove the whole cluster? And if so, how can I drop the steering column? Do I need to unscrew the cover on the column and then the two bigger screws?