1969 Mustang - Dash Pad Removal

I'm refreshing my bulbs, diffusers, CV regulator and circuit board in the cluster today. I went to remove the dash pad - which is a simple process; however, the pad is stuck firmly against the windshield. I know I have all the screws removed and I'm assuming that someone may have glued the edge somehow or its purely friction. I've given it a good solid tug but I'm afraid any more will cause damage.

My question: Do I need to completely remove the dash pad to remove the cluster? The pad is loose enough that it lifts and I may have the required clearance. I just want to make sure that I'm not overlooking something else and that I really need to pull the pad out.
 
Never mind... after some very uncomfortable tugging it "peeled" loose in piece. It must have been years of whatever sticking at the windshields edge. I swear I thought I was going to see my dash pad split in half. All is good...