OT - Heater Core Replacement

Hey all. I am in the process of replacing my mom's Mercury Tracer 1996 heater core, and was wondering if anyone here has replaced it in their 8G that could offer me some help for the general instructions of removing a heater core. I have the Haynes manual for her car, and it says to remove the instrument panel. The thing I despise about this manual is that its not very specific. I have removed most of the dashboard, and it seems to me that the only way to be able to even get to the bolts holding the heater core in place is by taking the steering wheel off, taking the airbag out, and removing the upper dashboard.

Am I doing somethign wrong?? Please help, thanks!

Moosh