1st gen heater blower removal

[69MyWay]

Hey guys - does the right fender have to come off a first gen F body to access the blower motor?

We will be going to a Vintage Air - but for now need to slip the heater box back in. Front fenders, hood - etc are on - but we left the firewall blank for this reason.

I can't get the blower box with the blower motor to fit in. I haven't yet tried taking the blower motor off - but none the less it doesn't look promising.

Been there done it stories????????