In terms of getting the paint off the dash, if nothing's worked so far, or the vinyl looks like crap, you may want to cut the vinyl off, cover the dash in body filler, and paint it whatever colour you want... could make for a cool looking dash that still has the stock shape. The cost of materials shouldn't be too bad, it'll just take time and labour.

I've done the dash in my 97, I'd assume its close to the 95, and I didn't use a manual... just kinda looked for where it was attached and took notes on how to get it back in.... just remember to disconnect your negative terminal before removing your airbags, and your steering wheel will have to go too.