How do I open up my Geforce GTX 275 (sparkle) to apply thermal?

I'm trying to apply thermal compound directly to my gpu but I can't get the plastic design cover off of the one side in order to access it. How do those covers normally come off? Mine's like stuck or something, and all the screws are out.

Nevermind, i got it, the old thermal was sticking on the inside. Their factory thermal compound must be god awful with the temps i was experiencing.

I have the same card and would be interested to know what the difference in temps is for you. What was it before and what is it now? Cheers