I have read a number of posts about being careful when removing the shifter cover panel to prevent the tabs from breaking. None of the posts define the removal procedure other than be careful.
Can someone spell out the steps to remove the cover panel ?

 

I haven't seen a car without 99% of the boot tabs broken in a long time. (I have one good boot peg on my SE and I treasure it)

Step one: Grab the shifter covor (bezel...whatever) behind the shift lever.

Step two: Pull up on it.

It's hard to explain exactly how to be careful while doing it. Just remember you're dealing with brittle old plastic. *listen for cracking*

 

If you have one to look at this will help. Find out exactly where all the tabs are on an old one. Once you get the cover loose on the new one try to press down on the boot with a finger or two exactly where a tab is. You will need the uniform pressure to help get it off. This wont always work but just imagine breaking a pencil in half vs. trying to pull it apart horizontaly.

 

how do you get it to say on when all the tabs are broken off

 

Here's one possible option:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/479957/17

I did this about a year ago and it held up well for most of that time, but lately I've noticed the styrofoam is wearing away. The stuff I used was very low density and too thin, I'm going to replace it with a thicker sheet of higher density styrofoam or maybe polyurethane foam.

It's quick and easy and it holds the boot tightly up against the shifter plate.

Ray