Splitting The crank cases on a GL1000

[GL1000-1976-SCX-593P]

I am in the process of splitting the motor to fit a new Primary chain and a new neutral switch, The motor has been re-painted in the past and may even have been apart before??? (not sure about that bit) but the cases dont seem to want to budge, I was going to fasten one side down to the bench and then Put ratchet straps to the roof of my wooden shed and gradually apply pressure, just wondered if anyone has any better ideas???

[dingdong]

Try threading a couple of the case bolts back in part way at the corners then tap tap tap the bolts with a hammer. Not too big of a hammer though. lol!

[virgilmobile]

They stick pretty tight...Be positive that all the hidden case bolts have been removed.
The case halves are guided in alignment by short steel sleeves..They are the sticking part...