I'm in the process of removing the center console to replace with a new one. Everything is going smoothly except I cannot remove the cig. lighter to get the groung wire ring off. To me it appears there is an outer screw-on type cover that secures the ground and keeps the lighter secure in the console. When I turn this outer-cover, the whole unit turns. I don't want to force anything. Has anyone else had this problem? It could be simply seized after all these years but I don't know. Thanks ahead for any tips.

Normal problem!
Take a rag, and stick it down into the lighter socket, and then stick your finger in it. That should give enough grip on the socket itself to remove the lower retainer. It does just screw on, and it holds the assembly to the console panel. Sometimes they can be a pain, other times, you can't keep them tight!
This should get it disassembled. If not, try spraying it with a little WD-40(or similar penetrant), and try again.