Disconnecting front and rear shift rods

[PinxitVillus]

Hi guys, I'm working on refreshing the bushes on my T3 and I just can't separate the front and rear shifter rods.
 It's a 1.9l, 5 speed manual, 1987 watercooled engine.
 I've unscrewed and moved the pinch clamp that holds them in place and tried opening it a little bit with a screwdriver and hammer, but still finding it hard to get them to come apart. So far they've hardly moved a couple of mm.
 I'm also a little worried about how to actually get them back together after as its been quite tough - so any tips welcome!

[mioba]

Give them a spray with plus gas or a torch.
Will be a tiny bit of rust / dirt.

a good wire brushing before reinstalling.