I found it easier to remove the pressure plate bolts through the inspection hole than from the bottom of the flywheel. Turn the flywheel with a screwdriver and loosen one bolt just one turn at a time till you get them all loose. Takes a while but keeps the pressure plate from warping/springing. The one turn at a time is from the shop manual for a 1954 235 but should be the same for a 216.

Still trying to get ole Betsy back on the road.