Replacing Rod Rigging

[Chainplate]

Our old Reckmann furlers have to use rod rigging so after 30 years of hard sailing, we figured it was time to replace the rod. However, once the furlers were stretched out on the ground, it became obvious that they aren't going to come apart easily. I'm at a loss on how to separate the foil sections, which I need to do to get to the nylon (I think they're nylon) bearings and spacers. The foil sections should just slide apart but they're not budging.

I sure would appreciate hearing from anyone who has faced this problem. Our rigger here in Thailand is suggesting that we buy new furlers and I'm hoping it doesn't come to that.


Fair winds and calm seas.