From what I can tell, these have to be removed to take off the front faceplate.

Do I have to remove the headlight switch shaft also in order to get it off?

John 8)

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-12/545033/Dash.JPG

You know...it's been sometime since I replaced my lens on the '72 but if I remember correctly, I think that the light switch does have to come out also...99% sure
7T2SS

good question on removal I need to ge the plastic off my 72 non SS but it may be the same, behind the plastic is so dusty I have a hard time seeing the guages, I also need to attack the odometer that is no longer working the speedo is ok though. Ed ke6 bnl

Got up today and just had a flash back....Yes you definalately to have to remove the light switch to get the SS plastic dash cover off.
Non SS is different...
7T2SS