[R. Ramjet]

Jake - Thanks for the suggestion to apply heat with a heat gun. I heated it for about a minute (from the top, aimed at the base of the spindle) and then used a pair of large flat-blade screwdrivers to pry up on the turntable platter. It took a little more force than I was comfortable with, but it did free itself from the bushing and popped off. Looks like it was held on by petrified lubricant. Nothing broke! What a relief! Thanks again, and thanks to everyone who responded.

I have done some basic tests on the Beam of Light arm, and so far it looks like everything works, but I'll have to do a lot of work before I can be sure. Every piece of rubber will have to be replaced, and there are lots of rubber parts on this thing...