Removing the heater core/expansion valve/dryer from an MK2 - 96 Jetta GL

[architect1803]

Ok, here's another "quick register and get answers" thread, just because Texas weather really sucks and having a car with no A/C is just about as annoying as watching Obama preach on the Health Care Reform.

I actually plan on staying active in the forums, so mods you can love me forever. I have a 1996 Jetta GL. I bought it from my dad, who bought it from his aunt's best friend's great uncle's sister-in-law's niece's 2nd grade teacher....or something like that. I love the car, but the problem lies behind the God forsaken dashboard. During the cold months, I had no supply of heat whatsoever. Now during the hotter days, no A/C. I recently bought one of those Freon DIY filler cans at WalMart, charged up the A/C, and had little to no difference in the temperature it was producing.

Ok, so I'm convinced it is the heater core and expansion valve system. Mechanic shop "A" offered to do the job for $1200. Mechanic shop "B" offered to do the job at $1000, and Mechanic shop "C" said they could take care of the job for $400-$800 depending if it was only the core or valve that needed replacement.

Because I would rather spend my money on something else, like Girl Scout cookies, I am in no mood of spending that kind of money on something of that nature. So the question, then, becomes how do I go about doing this myself?

If the bible condemned anyone for being dumb, it would have to be the people at VW. Why would you want to shove such vital objects of a car between a dash and a firewall? Well, I guess Moses can answer that later.

I DO NOT want to remove the dashboard from my car, just because I know that putting it back is going to become a hassle. I've seen sporadic comments here and there on how people have managed to remove the core/expansion valve WITHOUT removing the dash, primarily something relating to removing little to no dash parts and just "sliding" out the core. Is there an official way of doing this job without removing the entire dash? If so, could someone please explain the process?

Also, if anyone with knowledge pertaining to the subject lives in the Houston area, and would like a lifetime supply of Girl Scout cookies, please let me know.
Seriously though, I am willing to pay anyone who is willing to help me out, physically, in repairing my heater/AC unit. The heat in Houston is ridiculous and horrendous, and I haven't owned a car without an A/C in years (actually, since high school). So any help will be greatly appreciated.

Contact btw...
architect1803@gmail.com
carlos2.pereira@mustangeng.com

PM me for cell #

Thanks guys,
-C-