53 Mercury replaceing speedometer cable
 

I need to gain access to the backside of the instrument pod to replace the speedometer cable and right turn indicator. My hand is too big to reach through the steering column brace and if I ask my wife, should she get her hand stuck and require the fire dept. to bring the jaws of life I might as well kiss the Mercury goodbye. Is there an easier way to access this or is there an easy way to pull the instrument pod out? Thanks, Jim