AGAIN...the covers are an integral part of the airbag, they cannot be removed.
so by this logic if you have to replace the dash cover you have to replace the airbag? i dont think so. i have removed numerous airbags from cars in order to get to the evap core that was leaking. every one of them you remove the dash cover (which is what he is talking about removing) and then you can remove the airbag. the only ones that have integral covers are the steering wheels and a good portion of the side curtain airbags.
edit: removal procedure from the ford CD for a 97
1. Note: When the battery (10655) has been disconnected or reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 18 km (10 miles) or more to relearn the strategy.
Disconnect battery ground cable (14301). Refer to «Section 14-01» for procedure.
2. Remove floor console panel (045A36) as outlined.
3. Remove steering column tube (3514). Refer to «Section 11-04».
4. Remove instrument cluster (10849) as outlined. Refer to «Section 13-01».
5. Remove the radio chassis (18806) and digital audio compact disc player if equipped. Refer to «Section 15-01».
6. Remove heater A/C control (19980). Refer to «Section 12-03A».
7. Remove the LH switch plate finish panel as outlined.
8. Remove glove compartment (06010) as outlined.
9. Remove RH center body pillar inside lower finish panel (24346). Refer to «Section 01-05».
10. Disconnect wiring harness connectors and ground connections at RH side cowl panel. Disconnect one ground wire from under RH floor carpet (13000).
RH Cowl Panel
11. Pull front door opening weatherstrip (20708) off at instrument panel location. Remove main mounting bolt cover on RH side.
12. Remove two instrument panel retaining screws at LH glove compartment opening.
13. Disconnect two main wiring harness connectors at instrument panel fuse junction panel (14A067).
14. Disconnect five wiring harness connectors at rear of fuse junction panel.
15. Disconnect three wiring connectors to stoplight switch (13480).
16. Remove three screws retaining instrumen panel (04320) at steering column tube opening.
17. Pull front door opening weatherstrip off at insturment panel location. Remove LH main mounting bolt cover.
18. Remove two bolts retaining passenger side air bag to instrument panel reinforcement (04545).
19. Disconnect radio antenna from radio chassis.
20. Cut wire ties retaining demister hoses to instrument panel reinforcement.
21. Disconnect wiring harness to radio amplifier (18B849).
22. Note: Removal and Installation of the instrument panel is best accomplished by two people.
Remove four instrument panel mounting bolts (two each side).
LH Shown, RH Similar
23. Gently lift instrument panel away from dash panel. Remove instrument panel.
24. If instrument panel is being replaced, transfer all components, wiring and hardware to new instrument panel. Refer to «Disassembly and Assembly».
if you want the pictures too i can get those as well