Looking for advice before top side painting

I inherited an 80s vintage sunfish that spent the last 20+ years in a barn. Everything seems sound but the top side paint is crazed and worn. I plan to do a light sand and repaint, but am concerned about removing fitting and cowling hardware lest I loose the back side nuts or plates given that that boat has no port to access the interior. What can I do to ensure the hardware is there when I reassemble or are there some things I just shouldn't take off and just mask around?