Happy new year gang!

I purchased a shifter handle & leather boot to replace my broken T handle & accordion slide in my 87 S4. Are there any write-ups with pictures that show how to remove the shifter plate? I haven't been able to find anything. The instructions that came with the items are not crystal clear.

 

You need to remove the console. There are two metal levers that hold it in place. They pivot to allow the removal of the shifter plate.

 

Here's a picture of the levers. As Kevin said, they turn and clamp the shift plate to the frame of the console. I think the instructions on how to remove it are in the WSM. If you don't have it, let us know.

 

You can reach those levers, if you remove the left console cover. No need to remove the whole console.

 

Thanks all. I'll give it a shot tomorrow

 

First you'll have to remove the rubber plate next to the gas pedal, then remove the screws on the console side panel. I think they are not all the same screws; remember which goes where.

When pulling the side panel, don't pull it towards the back of the car; it will break, as it is "hooked" under the dash. Just pull it a bit forward, then downwards.

Then you'll have access to the console, and you can feel the sliders of the original shifter plate.

 

WSM procedure has you un-latch the sliding accordian secion from the shifter shaft, and reach around it to move the locking levers to release from the console.. I followed that procedure and managed to get one of the levers free of the assembly. The levers sit on pins that were heated and swaged over the lever arms. The picture shows the arms attached with screws; maybe those are the 'fix' after following the WSM procedure.

Kevin, the assembly in the picture is the one I was looking for in your post about the '88 you are parting.