JC, Eric,
some folks, myself included, feel that a nice hand-written label adds a touch of class above factory block letters, and is one more perk of building your own.

X.P., instead of removing the letters (which may void the warrantee), just wrap thread over the lettering. This will make a nice base to apply your hand-writing or custom decal. If you ever need to apply the warrantee, just cut the wrap off.