Wouldn't it be a whole lot simpler to just remove the shifter...2 bolts...then re-install after slipping the shifter thru the boot? Why make it into such an ordeal? 5 min to jack the car up and put it on stands, 2 min. to remove the bolts, 5min to putz around, 3 min to slip the boot on and drop into place, 2min to bolt it up, 5 min to remove the stands. Another 5 min to screw the boot and trim ring down. 30 min tops. Damn K.I.S.S. always works.
Ya' ain't building a piano here
