Okay so this should help visualize my current issue. I can't get it past the lip of this bolt hole. I don't know if there's a certain way to wiggle it, or if those who have attempted it have successfully removed the whole thing.
Pictured:
Red: Entire plate for the cooling system, held on by numerous bolts
Blue: The lip that I can't seem to clear
http://imgur.com/a/Nb2Jo