Help with evaporator fan access on older GE top freezer TBX12SAXCRWH

Top of Frig covering evaporator and fanView of freezerHi,

My fan is making a lot of noise. The Refrigerator is old but in great shape so I hate to scrap it. It looks like the top of the fridge (metal piece) should be able to be taken out to access the evaporator and fan, however it is blocked by the metal plate separating the frig from freezer.

The exploded diagrams did not help and I can’t find any service manuals.

Thanks for any ideas or experience you can share.

Mike