DIM disassembly

[jammer5]

Hi. I have a problem with my instrument cluster and I need some advice on disassembling the DIM.
The back-light on the text display unit (lower left of DIM) is not working so I cannot see the normal informational messages that would be displayed here. (The text display is working as I can faintly read this at night, with some light from the other back-lighting illuminating this display.)

I have successfully removed the cluster from the dash and have partially dismantled the unit. I have discovered that the previous owner appears to have disconnected the back-light wiring. I can see the 3-pin connector/wiring floating freely behind the gauges.

My problem is that I cannot access the module to re-attach the cable. I think I need to remove the gauges to facilitate removal of the circuit board(s) which would then allow access to this connector.

It isn't obvious how to go about removing the gauges. I've tried removing several of the screws holding them to the surround however they still seem stuck.

Do I need to remove the needles ? If so, how ? Are they simply pressed on ?
Do I also need to remove the dials from the gauges ?

Has anyone else attempted anything similar and could offer some hints?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.