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first remove the console door(six screws)
then you can remove the two screws that are in the console(towards the front of the console) then the screw in the ashtray area.
Remove shift ****. If manual, pry out the shift pattern, remove the metal wedge, shift **** spins off.
Disconnect the cigarette lighter and the hatch release button. Lift shifter console plate off.
For an automatic, pry out the shift button, use snap ring pliers to remove snap ring, shift **** lifts right off.
Do the same disconnections as the manual, but also remove the shift indicator light.
Regarding the coating - forum members have posted their experiences with refinishing of this part and it sounded like a lot of work. The dealer wants big money for an OEM part (I think it's ~$250), however I found a guy on ebay selling repros for $110. They're not perfect reproductions, (the ashtray door hinge is done a little differently) but it's close enough for me, and definately looks a heck of a lot better than the old one.
That is, of course, unless you are one of the few, the proud that prefer to row our own with a 4+3. We are all SOL in that regard. If someone knows different, please clue me in. I'm just finishing up an interior re-do (pics when finished). My console plate was scuffed and stained, and the symbols very faded. The rest of my dash pieces were somewhat funky looking as well. I sanded out a few scratches, then scuffed everything with Scotchbrite and shot it with SEM satin black interior paint. I don't know how well this will hold up, but it certainly looks much better than it did. Maybe someday the aftermarket will address this gross oversight.