Before removing the dash it might be worth trying to lube the existing assemly to see if that frees it up. �The Mullendore Port is the name given to a hole drilled in the sheetmetal near the fan which permits you to aim the proper substance (I'd try PB Blaster) at the bearing. �There are numerous references to this on thesamba.com in the Vanagon forum so search that. �Most entries are about reducing fan noise (worked for mine) but at least a couple refer to non-working units that were resurrected. �It might worth trying while you gather the resources to do the dash removal and it costs you practically nothing in time, effort and exasperation compared to the other job.�
Stephen

--- On Wed, 5/15/13, James Ogul <jimogul70@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: James Ogul <jimogul70@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Heater Fan
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 6:04 PM

My 85 Westy came with a non-working heater fan.� I hear its a nightmare to replace.� True?

Jim
85 Westy