use a small 0 blade flathead screwdriver, and remove the lower cover... (the silver bit on the bottom)
once thats off, you will either find a clip, or a set of screws... remove them, and your home free....

 

oh, and it may take some force...

Alternatly, you could use a door panel remover, they are super slim, strong, and have a notched section in them that would allow you to slip it around the shift arm, and in between the top, and bottom pieces...

 

TY.....I will attack this tomorrow. Much appreciated.

 

Hey Josh,
Did you ever get the shift **** off? I'm also looking to do the same. Any info appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I have not made it that far unfortunately. The wife's HONEY DO LIST of home remodeling has kept me from further work on the car. The only mod that I have done is adding hte mini jack for an AUX input in the armrest. I might get to the car stuff again around Labor Day.