I've decided to keep the B & M shifter but use the stock leather shift ****. Problem is the threads are too large on the shifter. I have a machinist friend who will turn down the threads to match the the stock threads - I just have to pull the shifter. I have already removed the top 4 bolts but it seems like something else is holding it in. Having never done this on a 5 speed, I was looking for some pointers.

 

There is a plastic cup the base of the shifter sits in. It will just pop out if you pull on it hard enough.

 

I don't see a plastic cup. It looks like the base is siliconed to the top of the transmission. I tried pulling but it is solidly in place.

 

The cup is under the shifter. The silicone is the gasket. It will come off. You can try prying it up. But be careful, its soft aluminium. If you have the four bolts out, nothing else is holding it in.

 

Thanks! That worked. It came out fairly easily once I knew that it was just silicone holding it in. Now off to the machinist!

 

The OE leather-covered shifter ball fit the threats of my B&M perfectly.

JamesC

 

I wonder why mine doesn't. I bought it from GM - maybe it's not the right one.