Magazine maintenance...

[PRD1]

Since my initial posting a couple of days ago, asking about a rear sight dilemma, was so successfully resolved by forum members, I feel encouraged to bring up another topic: Luger magazine maintenance.
I have several original Luger magazines in need of attention; a couple of wood-base types and a WW2 aluminum-base, plus a couple of total wrecks. The first three need nothing more than complete cleaning to be returned to service, while the other two might be salvaged for interior parts.
What has always amazed me, considering how dependent Lugers are on perfect magazine function, is that the designers apparently didn't feel it necessary to make magazine disassembly for cleaning, etc., any easier than it seems to be.
So far as I am aware, there is on other way to completely disassemble the Luger magazine than by driving out the base plug pin and removing the parts through the magazine bottom. Then, it appears that the thumbpiece is attached to the follower by rivetting the end of the pin, and, when removed, is not easily reinstalled so as to stay put.
If any of you know anything that would help clarify my understanding of the problem, or suggestions that might make the job of disassembly and reassembly easier and avoid trouble, I'd be obliged for the information.
PRD1 - mhb - Mike