Liner contacting damper

[Ctwoodtick]

So I’m looking up at my liner with the old damper of the fireplace meets with it. In the past, I saw that there was a tiny bit of room in between the two, like perhaps an eighth or sixteenth of an inch. I looked at it for the first time and a while and saw that it appeared that the liner is just currently sitting in contact with the old damper frame. I noticed that when I put a slight bit of pressure on the liner with my hand, the insert was rather easily able to rock back-and-forth slightly. It was because of this that I was able to get a couple pictures where there is a very small space in between the liner and damper.
My plan is to cut out the damper frame, as I mentioned in a separate thread, because I’d like to be able to fully insulate the lower part of liner. Then I would want to do a good two piece block off plate.
I know these pictures aren’t the best because of the weird angle that things are at, but I wanted to share and get an idea if the liner maybe had any damage it all from expansion and contraction of liner during use., it’s a heavy wall liner. I used a good flashlight and a mirror and I can’t see any noticeable dents or gouges/serious abrasions to the liner. Maybe some slight rust colored mark where the liner touches the damper. I will get a better idea of any possible damage when I can actually remove part of that damper out.
I should mention there is a whitish colored speck of old roxul that is wedged in between liner and damper so wanted to clear that up.
At the moment, I cannot run my finger across the specific hidden area, which may have been effected. I’m thinking it is probably OK, but wanted to check in.

Thank you for any thoughts on this.

 

[begreen]

That looks like tight quarters. Which would be easier - cutting a big notch or cutting out the end pivot pins?