I like to refinish all the wood in my car, repairing some small cracks, most is not a problem but how do I remove safely the wood where the tranny stick is (mid consol?), any hidden surprises?

Thanks

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).