What a great forum we have here. I was able to take everything apart no prob. I wasn't able to find great safety pins, but I did score some at the 99 cent store. They seem a tad weaker than I would like, but I was able to install it and put the whole thing back together (and yes, the most annoying part is lining up the four screws for the handle.
It works fine now. I'm not crazy about the spring itself, but I'll contact Marc tomorrow -- maybe he can send the one he uses.
Now I know exactly how to pop one in.
For the time being, this box is definitely in playing condition.