heater core on VW Fox

[Das Auto]

hello to all.
its my first post here, thanks to all for your time.
i have to replace the heater core on my 89 Fox (now that cold weather here in canada has gone insane) but my manual requires me to dismantle the whole dash (way too much).
my question is...is there any other way to simplify the job?, maybe by cutting an acess panel somewere?, does anybody has a better idea?
thanks again.
Fernando.

[renrut]

I have a 89 fox and also just replaced the heater core. You really don't have to take the whole dash apart, just alot of crawling underneath it. You will also have to pull out the blower motor inside the engine compartment in order to get off and on some of the clips that let you split the heater core case. Another thing that sucked was a bracket thats riveted to the heater core case and the dash. I drilled out the rivets connecting the bracket to the case then put some screws in to reconnect it. You will have to pull out the radio because it sits inside this bracket. In order to split the heater core case you will have to drop it down by taking out two screws. You really don't have to take the case out of the car. You will need some long handle needle nose pliers, a long extension and universal for your ratchet. You will also have to pull out the screws that hold the heater control slides in place. It sounds like alot but if you're good at figuring mechanical things out its not impossible to change the heater core with the case in the car. You have to split the case in order to get the core out. Good luck

[Das Auto]

it is done, thanks brother.
i'll tell you how:
i did remove the glove compartment and it was much more accesible, then i cut around the squared protrusion (where the connections for the hoses in and out are and pulled the heater core straight out, slide the new one in and there's not need for sealing or fixing in place, reconected the lines and even at our -30 C, it feels so warm, its almost orgasmic.
thanks again for your time brother, i apreciate your help and endevor to keep helping each other and our friends with foxes.
fernando.