Replace 1995 Ford Escort heater core

My Chilton book is not very clear as to where the bolts are for the plastic housing for the heater core. I have removed everything in front, heater controls, radio etc. Also the Chilton book states after the three bolts are removed the plastic housing with the heater core inside will slid out. To me this looks impossible without removing two steel pillars the hold the radio and heater controls. These pillars are bolted at the bottom where the console is, but welded at the top of the dashboard. If I could find what is holding the plastic housing I could easily cut the pillars out and weld them back. Any input would help. The auto is 1995 Escort, 1.9cc, stick trans, its a wagon, 165,000 miles