Yes, I did it that way, but it's a hassle to get the connectors free without tearing anything up. Some things (like the radio, and I believe I remember the heater controls) have to either come out or clear before you can release the bezel. I left the controls attached to the heater box, and removed them as a unit to keep the cables in place. It's a hassle, but be patient - it'll come out (intact). Be careful with 50 year old plastic - awfully brittle.
Regards,
Steve