I am aware there is no masking necessary at this point. I was recommending against continuing down the path you're going down as you have, to my knowledge, not yet verified that the packing even needs to be removed. You may be making no end of unnecessary work for yourself.
I agree I have completely stepped into quicksand a bit... I do think if I can just make it to Home Depot I can get a tool and scoop this stuff right out easily, I think my main problem is I got out of work, was frustrated to start with, and just started digging with a coat hanger, not really the most effective tool or mindset...
I have some minor logistical issues right now with making it over to Home Depot, I think I can easily find the right tool to make quick work of this if I can just get my foot into the store... Hopefully this week, if I fail I will see if they can take them like this.
My biggest new worry is how I will rivet these without damaging the new finish, not sure how rough a rivet gun is or how durable ceramic coating is, those two factors will play a big part of the final step... If these come out correct they will be bad ass, if these come out awful then I will hunt down some low mount Termis that will also be bad ass...