Bayonet shifter - won't give!

SUCCESS!
Follow-up on shifter - took all the suggestions of using one size larger feeler guage, .011, and soaking with PB overnight. Had my son help (who's alot stronger than me!) and by pulling the shifter to the passengers side really hard allowed the guage to get deeper, first pushing down and then up, we were finally able to release the Hurst shifter. The new shifter from Brewers which is meant for a bench seat a-body is effin perfect! Shorter handle = shorter throw and the handle does not even touch the seat in 2nd and 4th gears now which was my main problem.

Thanks to all for your advice.
I'll be listing the removed pistol grip Hurst shifter soon with pics and the part number. It's supposed to be for a B-body so folks here may not want it, but then again....