There are four bolts (10mm or 12mm) that hold the complete shift gate to the tranny tunnel. Removing the four bolts allows you to lift the assembly. You do need tom disconnect the shift linkage from below. These bolts also keep the assembly halves together, so soon as they are removed the shift gate will sort of spring apart with the halves turning about 90* to on another. Nothing terribly difficult.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.