Well I will tell you my one time experience with removing my Shift ****...

I removed the console piece that surrounds the boot and houses the window control buttons and then you have to unscrew the retainer nut, and last but not least pull up! I figured this out after I had my transmission replaced and I went to put the car in reverse. I pulled up and the whole thing came off boot, console, **** and retainer nut! The great mechanic didn't get the retainer on snug enough when he re-installed everything I was very happy!