Any advice as to an easy way to squeeze the rivets attaching the forward nutplate that holds the forward bolt of the bearing block? I've not had much success grinding down a vicegrip!
Try some Nut-Plate rivets -CCR264-3-? (depending on grip length required). They are listed on page 217 of Genuine Aircraft Hardware Co. latest catalog. Phone - *888-247-2738. They work very well in thos hard to get to places.