Quoted from ChipScott:Thanks everyone. I appreciate everyone's response!!
I will certainly take some pictures and post them.
One thing I noticed, when I ordered some replacement bats appropriate for this era of Stern game, when examining the current flipper bat posts they do seem a bit longer than what was delivered to me, making me feel like maybe the current bats are for/from a different manufacturer. another thing I noticed was that when I got the replacement flipper bats, the post has a small notch, probably where the hex bolts/screws are supposed to fasten to the bat shaft. The current bat posts do not seem to have that notch as there is a lot of smooth bat very proud underneath. And yeah, those puppies are stuck in there good. Ultimately, I did break out a hammer, and after I took a couple good whacks and they still didn't budge, it was at that time I decided to ask the group if I was maybe missing something. Sounds like it's time to break that hammer out again.. just never feels right to get a new game, even though it's an older game, and immediately start breaking out the hammer! Hahaha.
I had your problems removing bats. I had to remove the set screws and start twisting and turning the bat to eventually work it out. A couple I had to drive out with a punch. As you might be aware, sometimes a lot of torque has to be applied to lock the bat into place. The set screws in mine were so over-torqued that metal on the bat shaft had been displaced which made for hard removal. This displaced metal was in those notches. Once I filed the offending metal away the flippers reinstalled nicely.
Some of the set screws had been torqued down so tight that the threads on the ends were deformed and I had to get new set screws.
The replacement flippers I have bought, like yours, have longer shanks with no notch. I prefer them this was.
I really like these Williams style aluminum bats PL sells. I lie the way they hit. I like they way that they are not going to break.
https://www.pinballlife.com/flipper-bat-and-shaft-assembly-no-logo-brushed-aluminum.html
Or you can do this:
https://www.pinballlife.com/classic-stern-shoe-and-shaft-flipper-bat-assembly-1977-1980.html
Quoted from BrianBannon:I haven't run into a flipper bat that could withstand a concerted effort from a nail punch and hammer attack. Just make sure all the set screws are out and that someone can hold the playfield up for you. Might want to remove the backglass first as I have seen those flipper bats fly out like missiles when they break loose.
A chicken in every pot; A punch and a hammer in every toolbox.