87 F150 Heat Core

I have a self diagnosed blown heater core. Rad fluid is dripping into the cab from just below the glove box and there was initially some smoke coming from the defroster vents.

Is this a fix at home type of project or do I need to completely drain the rad fluid by a prof. before attempting? Could I bypass the heater core and then attempt a fix?

Any pointers would help.

Thanks

If you dont need your heater till the winter just bypass your heater core by taking off the return heater hose coming off your water pump and throw it away. Then just take the heater hose thats left on the water pump and plug it into the return spot on the water pump, its simple, takes about 5 minutes. When you need your heater again in the winter, change your heater core. ALSO, maybe your heater core isn't bad, it could just be a bad hose, make sure to check those.

My husband did that to his truck. The heat core is sitting by my front door. It's just SOMETHING else he will have to replace........