All the stuff your going to do can be done without degassing the A/C, or removing the rad panel.

The Radiator can be pulled out from the bottom with a bit of flexing of the condensor and pipes.

Thermostat, housing and crack pipe - remove the coil, this gives you a lot more room to work. you will need long arms and patience to clean the block for the other end of the crack pipe. Little tip to clean the crack pipe sealing area on the block, Find a socket that will fit in the hole with a bit of emery tape (or sand paper) taped to the socket.