anyone removed the upper dash for hatch?

[sex]

.. without removing the A-pillar covers? I have an 09 w/curtain airbags and I got up to pulling the B screws and C bolts but was unable to disengage the front side claws.

[MiniTRD]

just remove the a-pillar covers - they just snap off

there is one tab at the top of the a-pillar that needs to be turned 90 degrees before removal

shouldn't take you more than 10 seconds to remove the a-pillars

[cali yaris]

^ I think the OP wants to remove the dash. But you're right it's only a few seconds more to take the A pillars off first.