where to begin. Trying to get my 87 bird to run again, heater core went. Taking out the dash, long and aggravating in the heat but okay. Getting the heater core hoses off, pain in the freaking ***. Removing the actual heater core, it still isn't out after a day of working! Is there a trick to getting them out, i removed the heater core cover, removed the four bolts holding the heater core on and removed the hoses, it still wont come out i managed to bypass the heater core for now so hopefully tomorrow i can refill the coolant, get it started and start diagnosing it. However if i can't get the damn core out its just going to stay in there being useless, it'll piss me off knowing it's still in there. look at my heater core bypass! My girl friend had pink duct tape and wanted me to use it so i did. YES there is an actual adapter/ fitting under the pink, the tape is just to insure an air tight seal.

I believe there is one or two bolts on the top of the cover ( i used a 1/4 inch rachet with a flexible head) after that you just gotta kind of yank it out. if the door is in the way move the cool/hot lever.

Mine came out with dash in tact - there's one bolt on the top that you can't see, but have to feel, and then get a rachet swivel and extensions on it - they are a PITA!

You have me stumped. IIRC, mine just came right out with no trouble once the cover was off and all retainers were removed. Now ... getting the new one in was a different story. Had to have someone help on the engine bay side to guide the metal tubes back through the firewall holes.

Maybe something, somehow is stuck or warped around the metal tubes? i can wiggle the whole thing side to side it just wont come out. feels like i missed a bolt or its being held by the metal tubes somehow. but i did get the four bolts i'm 99% sure there's only four. I had to cut the hoses too but don't think the little bit off hose left on the ends would be holding on to the core so hard. I've yanked and yanked and pulled with grips on that sucker...

It's the pieces of hose still on the metal tubes that's holding it in. I'm pretty sure the holes going through the firewall have rubber grommets on them and are barely big enough to get the metal tubes through. You will need to pull the rubber hose off from the engine side of the firewall to get it through. Try cutting the rubber hose with a razor blad and peeling it off. It's no good anyway.

yep it was the little bit of hose left at the ends, thanks.