Heater Core Replacement on 97 bird

I have a 97 T-bird and heater core is leaking. leaving nice puddle of coolant in passenger floor board. I pulled down the glove box and OH HECK, this looks like a dash removal.

Called a couple of shops and they want between 700 - 850 to do the job....so, looks like I'll be tackling this one.

anyone here ever replaced a heater core on a 97 model that could give me some advice.

In addition, where is the best place I can get the best service manual. I'd like to have that before I start.

Thanks!

Haven't done a '97 but have done a '93. If you don't want to tackle it yet, get a short curved hose and bypass it. Chiltons makes a better manual than Haynes for this procedure. First time doing it, plan on a whole weekend. Second time around should take 6 hours in and out.

Go to helminc.com and you can order shop manuals for many years and makes of vehicles. These are the shop manuals written by the OEM. The 97 Bird manual is $80. Chiltons is cheaper but this is a better manual.

thanks guys....I'm by-passing it now until it gets cooler to work on. Just too dang hot outside.

I appreciate the link to helminc. This job will probably take place in October/November time frame!