Wow, I would not say it is impossible to do this without removing the
dash but I would say highly improbable that there is such a method.  I
would just bite the bullet and pull the dash.  It is worse dreading it
than actually doing it.  Just label everything as you pull it apart or
take digital pictures so you know how it goes back together.  A trick my
helper discovered (if you are brave enough) is to pull the whole
steering column when removing the dash.  Just undo one 13mm head bolt
that is about midway down the column and unplug all of the wires and
remove the whole thing.  It will only go back on one way so don't worry
about alignment being off.  It makes alot more room to work
Be sure when you get the new heater fan that you also get the clips to
put the blower housing back together with.  I stock them for this job if
you need them (I also have the fans as well).

Hope this helps,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

Ed wrote:

>I believe my front heater fan has just bit the dust. I know that I saw an article somewhere on the net, but not here, on how to get the fan motor out without removing the whole dash. It was still a pain, but maybe not as bad as the whole dash procedure. But I can't find the article now. Does anyone else have a bookmark to it?
>
>Having one problem after another with the Vanagon (but wouldn't give it up),
>Ed
>
>
>