Is it possible to take the boot off the stock automatic shifter without removing the whole handle/lever? It looks like it won't come off without surgery, help!

 

youll need to take off the ****, and you might need to take off some of the console if i remember right.

 

Correct. You'll have to remove the ****(handle), and you'll have to remove the console top plate(aka, shifter plate). The bottom of the boot wraps around a metal frame, and that frame is secured to the underside of the console plate.

To remove the console plate, there are two small bolts by the console armrest and one bolt underneath the ashtray. After you remove those, lift up on the plate carefully because next there will be electrical connections to deal with, some of which might be: window switches, mirror switches, compartment light, shift pattern light and cig lighter(this one is long and deep, so just be patient and work slowly to get it clear of the console if your radio pod is still in place). All connections fit tightly, and switches can break during separation or re-install--like the window switches, which have a little trim piece that frames the switch and cracks or breaks easily.

Too much detail here makes it sound harder or worse than it is. But no worries, it's not so bad.

 

once you get into it, its pretty easy.

 

Well I already have the plate off, but i think the **** is permanently attached to the shift lever. Thats my main problem is removing the handle.

 

should be a big staple in the front of the ****. Once you take that out it's just a matter of pulling the **** off. Mine was glued on there pretty tight. I did a little twisting though I was careful to make sure I didn't break anything.

 

Yeah...My clip was a bear to remove last month, when I replaced the console top.

 

on an 85-9? firebird with an auto-, there is a big staple in the front of the handle, you'll probably have to put the car in 1 to get to it, all you need is a pair of needlenose pliers & maybe a flat-head srewdriver to pry it out, pull the **** off the shifter (don't lose any parts) take off the shift plate & turn it over, there are 4 screws holding the boot to the plate, unsrew those & remove the boot