Strange: Bridge body bushings won't let me remove pickguard?

[tOCK]

This is a year 2000 Gibson SG Gothic.

 

I tried to remove the pickguard to see what pickups are installed and could not. When I removed all screws the retaining bushings are bigger than the holes for the plastic pickguard. As if they were hammered in to compression fit when the pickguard is in place?

 

So this is a first for me. Perhaps someone knows a technique to not crack the plastic when removing it?

 

Also: this fretboard looks like real Ebony. It sounds/feels like it too. Were they using real Ebony 16 years ago on the Gothic range? I know they are using an alternative wood on them recently due to the scarcity.

 

Thanks!

[Searcy]

[tOCK]

Awesome!

 

Thanks, I'll screw like over never screwed before.