Bradmar,
If you have a dremmel power tool they work awesome for removeal. Use the cutting wheel attachment it works great and the wheel is only abouty 1 inch round so you can control it easily. it makes a very thin cut too. I use it to cut around the card and lift the cut portion of the case off. Easy and safe!
Sorry to hear about the sale in 1987, but you gotta do what you gotta do!