Metal coolant pipe removal

[ggoodwin]

I have a Mk2 Golf GTi 1991 8v with a PF engine.  The metal coolant pipe sprang a leak and I have a replacement for it.  I've disconnected the pipe completely, which was a challenge in itself, but i'm baffled as to how to get it out now and the new one in. 

It seems as though I need to remove the oil filter to allow the lower left hand end of the pipe to come forward but I just wanted to check in case there was some other way it should be done.

Any info would be appreciated!

[ggoodwin]

Just in case anyone else has to do this, I ended up removing the oil filter and the radiator fan and shroud to allow me to move the coolant pipe forward enough to get it out.  I can't say that it is the best way but it worked for me