On my third RC upgrade I found an easy / nondestructive way to get them out which requires you to turn the ant to ~90* and the gripping it in a loose fist with the index finger under the 90* bend (between the TX body and antennae pivot) levering it with a slight pressure. While applying pressure and holding the unit by the antennae and against a table surface to free up the second hand, I use the second hand with some needle nose players to slightly squeeze the bases together and applying a little more pressure to the levering process the base pops out without damaging anything leaving you with an unmolested stock antennae. I almost wish now that I had recorded the process on video, I find after doing a couple I can have the whole process done in ~10-15 minutes... If anyone is in the Tucson/Marana area and has one to do I'd be more than happy to do it for you so I can record the process.