I bought a used Quantum Tour Edition TE1170PT baitcast reel today and so far have been unable to get the sideplate off to see if it needs cleaning. The slide bar that is supposed to release the side plate slides back easily, but I cannot get the side plate to rotate.  The reel appears to be very clean on the outside and shows no indication of wear anywhere on the reel.  This is my first Quantum so I may not be doing something right.  Any advice would be appreciated.

pull the bayonet and hold it with your left hand. then with your right... twist the sideplate counterclockwise towards the floor. it should come off easily. if you feel that the pin is opening fully... then there is nothing there to break and the resistence is probably dirt.

this is a great reel.... congrats!!!

Thanks, I finally got it broke free.  It was just real tight and took a lot of pressure to move it.  The reel is clean as a pin inside, like it has never been used.  I tried pitching in the living room tonight and it is a joy to use.  Can't wait to get it on the lake next week.

use grease on the lock groves when you put the cover back, or it will be even harder to get it off next time.