Ahoy!
First and most important - Sincere gratitude to everyone who offered advice, counsel and equipment.
Sharing information on the removal process - FYI as it may "Zut !" you.
Phase 1 - 16mm Crank Bolt Removal
Problem for was finding a 16mm socket to fit the crank bolt.
> Learned that 5/8in = 0.625 and 16mm = 0.629; therefore: the sockets are practically identical and interchangeable. > My SK-Facom brand of 5/8 spark plug socket was too thick to fit into the crank arm. > Inexpensive lawn mower 5/8 spark plug wrench fit just fine. These look like a steel tube with the ends stamped into the shape of a 6-sided socket. Cost me less that three dollars and included a "T" handle. Exotic item imported all the way from China. > Master Mechanic house brand of either the TrueValue or Ace chain - I don't recall which - 16mm six-sided socket fits into the crank arm. This is the standard spec. , shallow, socket. > Conclusion: Many good and simple work-arounds to the 16mm crank bolt situation. 16mm crank bolt is not the obdurate "sword in the stone" as reported.
Phase 2 - Crank arm extraction. This is quite another story. > I've not discovered a work-around for the proper Stronglight extractor; however, they are available so, this should not be problematic for anyone.
Richard Cielec Chicago, Illinois
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