ok, i now have the "skunk stripe" removed, as well as the truss rod.
i had tried an iron, to heat melt the glue, but as i pried on the stripe, it was just breaking, and making a big mess. i realized that there would be no way for me to get it out without destroying it, so i decided to break out the dremmel (i love dremmels), and i cut right up the middle of the stripe. i then used an iron, to heat the glue, and a razor to remove the rest of it. it came out pretty clean.
as it turns out, removing the fretboard would not have provided access to the truss rod on this neck. i took some pictures of my work, and would post them, if i knew how.
now the question is, where to find a truss rod....
or, i could make one...hmm...
also, does anyone have any tips on how to make a new "skunk stripe"?