I have heard people with the same problem but dont know how to fix it, or well get it off. The Damn thing won't come off. i have got a 1988 SE and i would like to replace the shifter **** but the thing wont even budge. does anyone know how to get these things off. i dont want to just try do hard that i break something. Is there a trick to it??? Thanks a lot to anyone with help.....

 

Mine did the same thing. I just put it into 2nd gear, got a pair of channel locks on the shifter and turned the hell out of it until it came off. You know that the bottom piece that is shiny is a lock nut thing right? Remove that, then just grab on tight and turn your heart out until the **** breaks free.

 

Yup it will feel like its going to snap right of then all of the sudden it will let go. That lock nut is on there tight!

 

i have lossend the nut so that is not a problem but what was the reasoning on putting it inot 2nd gear??? will that hurt or damage the shifter??? i will try and let you know my results but it feels like i am going to break the thing... Also what did you say you used to grip onto it with???

 

You just put it into 2nd gear so that you don't slip and break something on the stereo console. Use your hands to grab ahold of the shift ****, and turn like hell. It has been on there sicne the car was built, so imagine how much heat and gunk is sticking it in there. It will come off, and you shouldn't break your tranny, or you are a professional bodybuilder. You could try some channel lock pliers, but that will screw up the shift **** and really make it unusable in the future. maybe some big assed vicegrips?

 

Muahaha, I have the 89+ shifter and there is no locking nut, just twist like a ****.