how do you remove the pistol grip lever from the shift head?

[dakota]

I'm thinking about getting my shift lever re-chromed.   I'll have to remove the shift lever from the shift head, but it's not immediately obvious how to do it.    I saw a post on another website that suggests that the metal tangs on either side on just friction fit, so that all I have to do is pull up hard.   My first attempts didn't work, so I wanted to check if there's any other guidance out there before I use more force (and increase the risk that I'll break something).

[anlauto]

Is it a bolt on or slip in ?

[roadman5312]

                                knowledge is power.                                    

[dakota]

Is it a bolt on or slip in ?

Best I can tell, it's slip on - no bolts visible.

[anlauto]

Slip a wide fuller gauge down the driver's side and pull like there's no tomorrow....

They're held in by just a little tab about half way down

[Chryco Psycho]

add some slippery lube , it will make it easier to insert the feeler gauge & also to pull the handle out ., push the handle down first so the lock tab is not binding as well
 from you picture it is definatly the slip in type 

[dakota]

I couldn't come up with a gauge that was thin enough to fit but still strong enough to be pushed into the tab.  I was able to pop it a little loose by hooking a small ear near the lever base with a screwdriver and prying against the shift head.  That seemed to be enough to get it by the tab.   Getting the lever the rest of the way out involved removing the flexible dust cover on the bottom of the shift head, threading a thin screwdriver up to the bottom of the lever and tapping it out with a hammer.

The lens of the top of the shift lever had gotten cloudy, so it needed to go too.   I used a 3/16" drill bit on the plastic.  It shattered before the bit bottomed out.   The oval shaped piece (pot metal?) that holds the lens is attached by some hammered tabs on the top of the shift lever.

[dakota]

Alan and CP - thanks for the help (again).

[dakota]

It looks like Advanced Plating is finishing up the re-chroming on my shift lever, so now I'm wondering how do to reinstall it.   There wasn't anything on YouTube or Google as the typical mount is bolt on... this is a "bayonet" type.   In particular, I'd appreciate knowing if I just push it back in or if I have to pull out the spring tabs first.   

[Chryco Psycho]

unless the spring tab was damaged on the way out it will slide back in & lock into place again

[dakota]

Thanks much CP.  best I can tell, the tabs are in good shape. I have a set of replacement parts on order from Brewer's to rebuild the shift head, so hopefully all will be well with the shifting mechanism in a couple of weeks.