1992 Ford Tempo Trying to replace the starter

I am trying to replace the starter on my boyfriends Ford Tempo. The problem I am having is that there is a piece of metal welded to the car that is blocking me from getting to the nuts and bolts of the starter to remove it. This wouldn't normally be a problem but the person how owned the car before we did tightened the bolts so tight that I can't loosen them with an open wrench and I have no idea what I should do to get it off. The piece of metal is on the bolt in front of the nuts that are holding the starter in place, with more nuts holding the metal to the bolts. I got the first set of nuts off and the metal will not budge.

I know for a fact that it's the starter and am tired of having to drive my boyfriend around. Please help me!