Heater-A/C box removal to replace heater core

I need to replace the heater core in the vehicle listed above. I have disconnected negative battery cable from the battery, the heater hoses, and the A/C lines connection at the fire wall under the hood.
The struggle is removing the lower right dashboard to get access to the other fasteners for the removal of the heater-A/C box. I have the lower right and center bezel parts for the dashboard panel loosened, but there is something unseen holding the upper part of the lower dash panel. I am absolutely stymied.

More information: There are two panels to this part of the dashboard: The upper panel which houses the airbag; and the lower panel, which includes the glove compartment. I am trying to remove the lower panel from the upper. I have all the visible screws removed, and the lower panel is very loose, except that where the lower panel meets the upper panel, something unseen is holding it, preventing the lower panel from coming off. I am very sure these are two separate panels, as there is about a 32nd of an inch seam opening between the two. Any help would be appreciated.