to do that safely.. I would drill them out with a smaller than hole size drill, and then use a pin punch to punch them through.. BUT.. you then need to re-fasten them.
The Lizons had acadian letters repopped and they had the letters drilled and tapped for a small countersunk machine screw..
Just my opinion.. there may be a better way.. and then epoxy them on when you get the panel back? options I guess.
let us know what you end up doing.. I'm sure your not the only one with that question..

Letters came off , I used a small grinding tool to remove back of the press pin, and then a punch to tap them out. All seven came out fine with balance of the pin intact. Taillights, fender spears, v8 badges, and three piece trunk panel off to be chromed, thanks for the advise.