It's baaaack! HELP

Took my alternator to A-Zone today and found out it was shot. Less than 100 miles on it. They handed me a new one, brought it home and now charging nicely. Took the thing for a short ride, idled it in my garage for a long time and damn if it didn't die. That issue is still not resolved......unless it was the ignition switch.

I planned to bypass the ammeter today and what a fiasco! Can't get to it from under the dash, couldn't even get my dash out! I'm assuming the speedo cable, heater controls and other junk has to be unbolted first.
I actually had the dash panel out about an inch, but it wouldn't move any further.

What is the easiest way to get to the back of the ammeter?