I know there is a Staple you have to remove is it on the front of the shifter closest to the ash tray (or the other side?). Also should I be able to remove it with just a pair of needle nose pliers? Is getting back on a PITA? Any and all advice, recomemdations are appreciated.

I need this off because I'm painting the console and dash parts with vinyl paint back to black since they are dull and faded. THANKS FOR ALL HELP!

 

Yeah there is a staple. Start the car, shift the car all the way back to 2nd or 1st(which ever you have) and turn the car off so the shifter is all the way back.

Just use some needle nose pliers and it should just pop right out. To put it back it just shove it right back in.

 

Also try prying it out with a small flathead screwdriver. It should come out and go back in very easily

 

That's what I do.

 

Thanks very much to all that helped