gear shift lever bushing 1965 230 SL
 

I need to replace the bushing at the ball where the gear shift lever is seated on the center console. There is a plate holding it in place, with two bolts sticking up and nuts fastening it on the top. Can I remove these nuts and will those bolts stay in place, or wiill they fall into the gearbox. Do I need to grip them from below while removing the nuts? Can i replace this bushing from above? This was done rather simply by a mechanic once, and now I am attempting it on my own. I have ordered a few bushings from Pelican unsure of which was correct, happy to do that. Appreciate advice.

nothing will fall in, IIRC the two bolts are holding the stab rods from the transmission, you can take apart the whole shifter end of things from inside the car and replace the cup bushing, boot, and the flat rubber plates if they need it, all parts avail on ebay or from Classic Center

Thank you for this, you have given me courage!

I believe you may have to remove the shift knob to get the bushings out, and the boot. Use a vice grips with a rag wrapped around it, locked to just a bit bigger than the shaft, firmly whack it upward from underneath and the shift knob will pop off, its just pressed on the tapered end of the shaft. don't twist it , that will only make it loose when you put it back on