Hello Andy
Reckon you have it sussed already, but if you haven't, then you should be able to find more hits if you also search for Startrite tilt arbor into google.
Seems odd what was done to the machine, but hey ho, its only a bit of sheet metal.
Here's some shots of my machine, if it helps.
And a newer thread underneath.
Might also be worth looking for other shots of the machine on here, many folk have their '3 phase conversion' ones running with a VFD/inverter, so it might get you some more hits in the search box.
https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/tablesaw-mobile-base-design.126720/
https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/3-phase-to-single-phase-startrite-275-conversion.91106/
I use a length of timber to lock the blade into place, and would be very wary of using something metal as you could damage the teeth.
Damage might not be noticeable, but you could end up with one of those welded carbide teeth flying at you at warp speed.
On my machine the Leyroy Somer foot mounted motor is sitting on a plate,
Yours looks a bit different, and the capacitor is hanging loose, if it was replaced then the new one might not have fitted.
Regarding the cabinet again, it shouldn't be a massive issue as the motor and arbor is mounted onto a cast iron part which is bolted to the table, and only a few screws into the sheet metal cabinet.
Since you mentioned, have you problems getting the table in line with the motor, using the pick a tooth method?
(first one I seen on YT)
Plenty of owners here to answer any other questions on the machine.
Make sure that you are aware of dangerous American publications, if wanting to test it out.
i.e using a riving knife and having push sticks, or a shoe like what Steve Maskery of this parish uses... (one that is 450mm long to correspond with European safety standards, for certain jobs)
Sooo much really really dangerous things on youtube, really brainless designs of shoe style things.
Make sure you are aware of all this!
Look on this site for tablesaw safety if you care for your digits.
It's the most dangerous thing in the workshop.
Some figures thrown about regarding the TS, like FIFTY THOUSAND ACCIDENTS A YEAR IN THE USA!
Those are the only reported accidents!, apologies for shouting.
Even if you only take a quarter of those into account, its a heck of a lot.
Maybe some keywords/names like...complacent, complacency, two push sticks, riving knife, crown guard, and a good name would be Steve Maskery for a good start
And lastly make sure you take American TS videos with a pinch of salt
This one seems the best
Kelly Mehler has some OK videos, but watch out some of the stuff in this video is a bit misleading, alignment to table slots for instance, is backwards encouraging kickback.
It's not just the blade that can actually decapitate you.
If you look through the archives here, you might read of a seasoned woodworker who got their thumb chopped off from a sliver of timber harpooning into their hand.
Also..
Make sure the saw isn't going to roll away from you, if you decide to put it on wheels..
And make sure your timber is surfaced prior to cutting.
Be safe and all the best with your new machine.
Tom