Reply to "Erica needs to get hosed....."

Steve,
Did you install heater shut off valves in the engine compartment? If so then you don't need to drain the whole system. Just close the valves and disconnect hoses from heater side and drain. Good luck, been there, done that.
What are you using as a replacement evap/heater core? I have installed units from three different vendors and had to modify the cutouts in the box as the tube locations did not line up. Don't try to bend the tubes to fit the box or you will be right back where you started.
All the vendor supplied coils I have installed have been built to use the H block style expansion valve as opposed to the angled valve. I do not know if they offer the original style connections. The block style uses different hose connections also.
I would also suggest upgrading the squirrel cage fans to a higher capacity as the stock unit does not move a lot of air. I got mine from Hall years ago, don't know if they still have them or not.

Forest