1997 GMC C1500 Access to brake light switch at top of brake

Electrical problem
1997 GMC C1500 V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I have an intermittant connection in the wiring going to the switch at the top of the brake pedal. I can see the switch, and can touch it with a few fingers, but can't really get access to it. The switch is above the steering wheel column. The supports to the steering wheel column blocks access to the switch from above and on both sides. There's a pipe which runs along the lower front of the dashboard that looks as if there might be a way to pivot the dashboard around this pipe to get access, but I can't figure out how to release the dashboard. I've removed the instrument panel and every screw I can find, but the dashboard still seems secured. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.