you need to remove any pipes that are plugging into the cover, such as vac/breather pipers... then undo the bolts around the rim! simple asthat

To repaint it, you cna go all out and strip.sand it bakc to metal and start from there, or you can sand back the bad areas, hi-fill/primer, then paint with normal paint or hammertone which will hide imperfections...

Remember when you are putting it back on, it doesnt hurt to get a new gasket