Removing a dash 46 cadi

I need to remove the dash on my 1946 cadi.
I want to change it from 6 volt to 12 volt as well as paint it.
my question is, can I take it loose and flip it outward to remove the wiring and gages, or do I need to remove/disconnect the harness first, and then let it down?
thanks RussK

 

IIRC on the 1948 or so and older GM bodies where the dash is removable, they form part of the pinchweld flange the windshield gasket mounts to. Meaning the windshield has to come out to take the dash out.

Beyond that, once you get every damn screw, bolt and bracket out to remove the dash, it depends on how much free wiring there is as to how far you can pull it out.

 

that bites, I don't want to remove the windshield.
I'm going to hate trying to paint it and fix the wiring with out pulling it.