HMV 5A - need help removing isolator

[jimmantwo]

It is stuck in there good - any tricks? It is in nice shape and I don’t want to mess it up. I tried small chisel tip on soldering iron but it is very hard and was afraid to get it too hot - I could try small dremel bit - the spider looks like it would come off but screws are tiny. Thats all I can think of. Thanks - Jim

[CarlosV]

When I replaced one of mine, I made small holes around the circumference with a drill, and then I picked the pieces with a pick. I would not try the soldering iron, it will risk melting the pot metal backplate. Wintergreen oil softens rubber, but in my case the whole soundbox was stuck together, and I did not want to dunk all of it in the liquid. With the backplate separated from the front, you can try to soak it overnight, it will soften the rubber.

[kiwiatlarge]

I use a hair dryer on high. That usually softens the isolator enough to be removed.