Fox,
Did you have the bed off, when you punched the pin out? Clearances are really tight for the amount of force that seems to be required.
I've taken a break from this as the temperatures and humidity decline from triple digits here in the south, but now its time to get back at it.
I've got a freshly built 260 with HEI, PCV, 2 Brl Webber, backed by a Saginaw 4 speed and 3.73 14 bolt rear with discs on all 4 corners, ready to go as soon as these $&^*#@$ pens come out.