Homebrew PCBs

I just bought a GBC H200 laminator and am trying to modify it as per
the plans on the www.pulsar.gs website for use with toner transfer to
PCBs. 

Step (12) in their modification involves removing the "Release Lever".
It is press fit (I think) into the plastic motor mount assembly. I
have been unable to budge it using finger pressure. Can anyone who has
succeeded in this mod advise how?

A more minor question - in step (7) I was able to remove the plastic
spacers from the bottom guide plate. But there are no strips of
silicone rubber on the other guide plate, as described in the mods.
Anyone else encounter this?

Grant