Removing them won't damage them, I have pulled hundreds-you can even drive w/o them, the wheels won't fall off. Stuff a rag in the hole to keep out dirt. If the wording is all that is wrong, just clean them up w/sandpaper & re-letter using an electric engraving pen-then paint on some paint into the letters & wipe lightly w/a rag to leave paint in the letters. On something that old I would pull one & match it to what the parts guy has-thats the only way to be sure. Brian
