Does anyone know how to remove the follower on a pre 81 (pot belly) magazine and replace the spring?

If memory serves:

Push the back end of the follower down into the box, grasp the front of the follower with large hemostats or needle nose pliers. Twist the follower counter clockwise and it should pop out the top.

You shouldn't have to force anything to the point of bending it. When it's done right it just pops right out.

I THINK !