Originally Posted by
melmerr1
... I removed that screw in front and it still would not flip up...
That is it, it's ruined..... You should just send it to me for parts... hehehe
It may have become bonded to the base by accumulated yuck, or since that base looks like it might have been refinished, the person may not have let the clear coat fully dry before they set the machine back (worse case scenario)
you could add oil along the seam to help soften/loosen it. Take your time, and remember that cast iron is brittle and does not like to flex.