[Richard]

John,

This isn’t the best pic in the world, but on mine it looks like the the wooden block is held by a finger on the stove top. The finger prevents the top from moving upwards. You might try to pry the wooden blocks out of the way.

I am very interested in what you replace it with. I have often thought of using an induction slightly larger than the existing opening so the new top could be flush mounted.

Also are you going with a 120V unit or a 240 unit. I have a 120V portable unit, and there a times where wish for more than the 1800 watt maximum, or at least a larger diameter heating area.