Need some advice on my first lifter

[Pa SxS]

I purchased my first 12ga lifter today S/N 8036 and I need some advice.

The basics:

Grade 0

Stub twist barrels, 30", ring like a bell, minor pitting in each barrel.
Left barrel bore .746, choke .13 Right barrel .744 bore with .17 choke
Forcing cones look to be 2 5/8 with evidence of tool marks.

Straight grip stock, oil soaked at receiver but doesn't appear to be punky wood. Someone added checkering, poorly done and worn. I don't believe this gun had checkering when it left Meriden.

DAC 1 7/8", DAH 2 1/2". Not bad dimensions

Gun is slightly off face. I put in 1 piece of copy paper over the roll and it brought it tight.

Two questions for you lifter experts out there.

1. I'm concerned about taking the side locks off and possibly damaging the wood. I doubt that the side plates have been off in many years. What's the best way to prevent damage to the wood.

2. This has the 1 piece lifter and if I read the Parker Story correctly, this style of underlifter needs to be disconnected from the bolt before the floor plate can be taken off. Can anybody give instructions on how to do this?

Preciate the help!