So the sticking point I had run into was 4 bolts that hold the outer clamping straps. Although I now suspect most parts on this machine are going to be difficult if not impossible. I've attached a general dividing head diagram below to hopefully help illustrate.
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After about 10 days of soaking in kerosene without any apparent improvement I got frustrated and impatient. I lifted it from the kerosene dried it out and started drenching it with penetrating oil. after about 4 days of that today I finally managed to remove the bolts and clamps. The pair of clamping bolts on the bottom were quite rusty but relatively easy to remove. The upper clamping bolts turned out to be free of rust but obviously overtightened and the most difficult to remove. Now the nose that holds the dividing plate should slide off. Off course it doesn't want to come either. Gonna let that penetrating oil soak in some more and try again later!
Below is a pic of where its at now.
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