Selecter Lever shift lever removal

[cokefirst]

I had the steering box rebuilt in for my 57 Skyliner.  I have some parts cars, so I took the unit out of one of my parts cars and had it done.  I want to remove, clean and re plate the shift lever at the bottom of the selector lever tube.  It shows that the lever is retained by a pin, perhaps a roll pin;  I tried to knock it out with hammer and drift pin, but it wouldn't budge.  I have a 30 ton press that should be able to put enough persuasion on the pin to ease it out of place.  I do not want to damage the part or the tube.  Has anyone done this?  I appreciate any help.   THANKS!!

[djfordmanjack]

this is a 58 column, but the 57 should come apart pretty much the same.

[hiball3985]

It's a spring type roll pin. It may be rusted in place.