Thanks Duckydo.... but I wouldn't know how to contact her.
Update- 10/28-
I bought brasso and never-dull today and DH has been working on the front slide plate. It's looking pretty good.
Jon and Steve, I'm still not able to get the back slide plate off..... have put blaster on and let it set for 2 days now..... tapping with a wood buffer is not working. I'll keep putting more blaster on and trying to get it off. DH said, am I sure it comes off? Is there something keeping it from sliding off?
DH is a little worried about me taking everything apart but I noticed that Steve took every part and cleaned them up than put them back together. I should take everything off, too, shouldn't I? I will take tons of pictures and lay out the parts in groups so I don't lose anything. I'm pretty sure I can do it if I can get screws and bolts out. But, I'm not going to start anything till I hear from you both.