Joe,
Thanks, I just finished buttoning up the top half. I was able to take the center knob off and the washers behind it but the hand wheel didn't want to budge. Not too unexpected given I doubt it's ever been off since it was new. I'm not going to force it. I may give it another try a different day. The stop motion is doing somewhat better than before and may finish loosening up with a little more use. I ended up just using the petroleum jelly for a lube per your advise for now. I think it will be ok at least in the short term, certainly better than the dried out crud that was in there. I'll tear into the bottom end tomorrow.
Thanks,
Rodney