[Collins] Advice Please: Disassembly of S-Line Trimmer Caps

[Les Zwiebel WB6ORZ]

      We are restoring a (factory converted) 75S-2. The problem is that some of the temperature compensated, variable trimmer caps are stuck (mechanically fused,) and I obtained replacement repair kits for these. Those can be seen at the Surplus Sales of Nebraska website.
    How do we get the little stator discs off their rubber mounts w.o breaking the disk? I have tried a blade, but then I cracked a disc while removing it. Or is there a source for the discs alone should I continue to break them off?
    As an alternative to these repair kits, the complete trimmer caps are also available. I would really like to avoid having to remove and then re-install the complete part because it involves a huge amount of work removing an awful lot of other gear and components in the way.
    Thanks in advance.
    (((((73)))))
    Les
    ---===WB6ORZ===---