This is what happens when novices that shouldn't handle tools get involved...the Samsonite gorilla could have done a better job...and for the record, I had that agitator off as recent as 2010 and it came right off with no damage or "persuasion" as the tenant attempted to do.
Just giving this thread a bump as perhaps someone is interested and I'd like the dryer to find a good home and parts from the washer used to keep another "classic" going.....
The gas dryer has been sold. It will surely provide stellar service to the next owner as it did for my grandparents. It was truly a remarkable machine!