1986 325 heater core replacement? do I need one? Should I shoot the car instead?

["Rod Birch" <HOTROD930@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

HI all,

I've recently begun smelling the faint hint of coolant inside my car when
turning on the heater, even with the fan off, if I open the vent with the
temperature knob in the "warm zone" I smell it.  I haven't noticed loss of
coolant, or anything dripping into the interior.  Is this a sign that I need
to replace my heater core?  What's involved with the heater core
replacement?  I know that many cars involve 8-12 hours of sheer frustration
to change them and complete disassembly of the dash (which apparently comes
out easily if the entire interior is stripped and there's no windshield).
What am I in for?

any help would be appreciated...

- -Rod