How to dismantle Ocean City Long Key reel

[livinus]

I just bought a vintage Ocean City Long Key (450y) reel and want to dismantle and clean. It is the first time I service this type of reel and have a question. The frame is held together by 4 pairs of posts ,but only one post of each pair  has a screw showing on the outside. I removed these screws and the screws that hold the reel-foot, but the frame will not come apart. I assume the other post are fastened with hidden screws under the sideplates. Is this right or am i missing something?  Before I try to pry the bakelite sideplates loose from the metal inner bands, is there a simple way to get the sideplates off?
Greetings
Livinus

[Bunnlevel Sharker]

The sidesteps probably swelled and stuck, unless you can't get the main gear out there's no need to pull them

[livinus]

Well, after giving the reel a good soak (vinegar), it was rather easy to separate the bakelite sideplates from the metal inner bands. This was the only way to be able to remove the spool and have access to the inner mecanism. As I assumed, every other post is held by a screw hidden under the sideplates. Ocean city stopped this practice with the later 'big game' series that have the normal posts with screws that can be reached from the outside. Apart from this minor design flaw, the reel is very nice quality. Totaly overbuild by today's standards, it is a nice example of pre-war craftmanship when things were made to last.
Greetings
Livinus