UConn, getting to the instrument panel isn't that big a deal. I'd drop the steering column, then remove the dash panel. It sounds way more involved than it really is. I'd say 1 to 1-1/2 hours, in and out. I've done this half a dozen times for various reasons. You may want to renew all of the bulbs while you have it out.

There's a strap at the top center of the instrument cluster that attaches to the metal under the dash. That's your grounding connection for the instrument panel. All kinds of weird stuff can happen if this comes loose.

Good luck!