Not alot of info around- VC Dutchwest Seneca 2170

[thevintagemale]

Hey Y'all.
Just picked up this beauty for 300$. Built September 2002. Found the original top plate (no expansion web) warped with a crack at that weak radius and a warped damaged back plate the lower small that is held in by two11mm bolts, My plan is to replace the warped parts, the catalytic converter, gaskets, etc.

Questions about disassembly. I found the 2 nuts on the left hand front that connect the front panel to the left side panel, no others. I suspect the restof the panels and friction fit with furnace cement.Is that correct? What is the best, most effective way to break those joints without damaging the stove? Any other weak parts, failure points that I should be exploring whileI have it apart?

thanks in advance