Mixer tap tops not coming loose

[biggrizzly]

Struggling to get these removed to replace the valves. Very old taps. Used wd40, boiling water, hammered up gently against the taps to loosen and they will not budge. Will I need to remove the entire thing to access the valves. Tried everything I can think of and close to accepting defeat. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[blup]

Tap it hard from underneath while protecting the chrome. Time for a new tap if it’s seized.

 

[CountryFan]

As above, or Crack-it release spray, a pair of water pump pliers or similar on the tap head whilst protecting the chrome and rock back and forth, or even see if the shroud will lift/unscrew enough to get a spanner in, remove the whole thing and giving you more purchase on the hitting, failing this, drill the top of existing valve.