Disassembling the vending rack

[BryanH]

I started to tear down the vending rack so I could clean and paint it.  I'm looking for tips, techniques or recommendations on how to take the lock bar and gate apart.  This is the assembly that goes from the front roller gate back to the back channel assembly.  Specifically, is there a trick to removing the "X" retainer clips that hold the assembly's arm to the back channel?  

I took one off using pliers to spread the clip and then gentley forced/popped it off with the flat side of a screw driver.  I got it off but am not sure how successful I'm going to be getting it back on.  So I thought I'd ask for thoughts before doing the rest of them

Can you buy these anywhere?

[BryanH]

A view of the full assmebly (for context).  The clip and pin in the previous photo are on the left side of this photo.

[MoonDawg]

Using a pair of pliers, squeeze rear section to open and later squeeze front to close.

[BryanH]

Glen - thanks.  that's what I did with the first one; just wasn't sure whether or not the clips would stand up to the opening and closing.