Since the Heater core is being replaced this week, I thought it might be a good time to replace the old style Heater Control Valve in my '80 245 DL with one of the newer style designs.

The current valve doesn't leak. That said, I'm thinking in terms of preventive maintenance. This is the original 25 year old valve on the car, and from what I understand, doing a heater control valve is some what of a pain. I'd rather replace the thing with the heater box removed from the car. I can just see my heater control valve going out a week after the heater core is replaced. Heh heh heh...

Is there anything I can do while replacing the core that would make replacing the valve any easier?

Thanks as always.