i just bought a M1A at a local gun show, im having some problems with geting the top forend off, not to sure how to do it. any suggestions?

I assume you mean the handguard?  Take the rifle out of the stock.  Put a slim punch into the hold on either side of the reard handguard clip.  Gently pry that one side of the handguard clip out of the slot on the barrel.  Rotate the handguard so that it relieves the pressure on the other side.  Once both sides of the clip are off the barrel, pull rearward to get the handguard out of the front band.