Welcome aboard from here in Nebraska, quikbird. It is such a cluster flock under those dashes. You can do it without pulling the dash out, but if you're going to be doing a lot of other work back there I think I would take out the windshield and pull the whole dash out.
Besides all of the wiring that you'll have to snake your hand around - there are defroster vent hoses, the radio, the glove box liner, and heater control cables you'll have to contend with. Plan on scratching your wrist up a bit and getting a cramp or two. If your front seat is still in the car your backache will be worse. And I don't envy you if you've got a 4-speed or a center console.
If you're intent on trying to get to the pad mounting nuts (I can't remember if they're 5/16" or 3/8") I'd start with the glove box first. You probably should remove the glove box door. Then remove the screws that are holding the liner in. After the liner is out you can better see a lot of the other obstacles that will be in your way. Be prepared to remove the radio and ash tray assembly. You may not have to, but you might find it will give you easier access. A flashlight (preferably one with magnetic ability) will help you see the obstacles but you won't get line of sight with those nuts that hold the pad on. After that liner is out you should be able to feel up there where the dash pad nuts are. A quarter inch drive ratchet with a small variety of extensions should be able to reach everything. Good luck.
