it looks like i need to remove the e brake assembly to gain
access to replacing my kick panels.
any tips on removing it?

thanks aaron 67 convert.

Two nuts under the hood, one bolt under the dash, loosen the brake cable under the car to gain slack to disconnect the cable from the pedal.

Very easy to remove.

If you have power brakes, the firewall nuts are fun to get to. But they are accessible.

Yep, you will need a couple of long extensions and a wobble adapter on the socket.

Save yourself some knuckle skin and spray them with plenty of penetrating spray first. I was able to get to them with a small socket wrench only (I think they're 3/8ths) and I have power brakes.

But the board is right...tons of fun!