How can I remove the 17" panel shield from the plastic back of display

Thanks Dan but this guide sets aside the back of the display housing after Step Four, then only addresses the display itself in the frame. I am interested in removing the metal shield you can see in the bottom of the photo in Step Four - separating the metal shield from the plastic back, without breaking anything. Thanks for any thoughts.

@todd76589 - So you are trying to split the plastic shell away from the metal support frame not how to get the display cassette off to then open up to replace the backlight CCFLs.

Why are you going down this path?

The frame is needed to offer support and is welded (the plastic is melted over), you would need to grind off the weld buttons but once you do the structure looses it strength as you will not be able to re-weld things. You also need to remove the arm from the back.

Right, my project is not to upgrade the display but rather to convert the entire white enclosure into a wall mirror. In one corner of the mirror I will remove the mirror's "silver" to expose a rectangle of clear glass, then install an ancient iPhone there running a large digital clock app.

Removing the metal panel shield would be simply to save weight but is not necessary.

Side note: I built a nice 'iLamp" table lamp out of the rest of the old iMac G4, and I carefully did salvage the original display unit, that I would be happy to sell to anyone looking for a well-working one. Innovations of my table lamp beyond versions one can find online: I installed a 27W wireless induction charger into the base of the lamp; and a 20W USB-C port in the former mini-VGA out port - fits well and everything works like a charm. And I re-used the original grey Apple AC power cord, which I think tops off a respectful homage to the most beautiful computer ever designed, IMO.

@todd76589 - In truth It’s homage to Luxor Lamp!

Even still it broke formulaic view of what a PC needed to be shaped for the second time by Apple! And I agree it was a cool design!