Heater Core-ectomy Gory Details Part 1

[Eric_R_Kissell at whirlpool.com]

I did three heater core replacements in Type 44 Audis (two 5ktq & one 200q)
several years ago but none recently, so my memory may be fading.

IIRC, removing the heater box was not that difficult.  Not fun but I do not
recall that it was extremely difficult.

How much time or effort savings actually exists replacing the heater core
using the "cut-it-out-and-then-glue-the-box-back-together" method compared
to the "remove-the-box" method?

>From your description it sounds like you are already doing much of the work
required to remove the box, e.g. removing the wipers and cable connections.
It has been a while, but I seem to remember doing a heater box removal, fan
replacement and core replacement in less than two hours, and I usually end
up working like an easily distracted child with mission-creep or
while-I'm-in-there prudence. I am a bit mystified as to how your method
actually saves an appreciable amount of time.

Please clarify the actual time savings resulting from cutting versus
removing the heater box.

Eric