removing shift lever on '71BGT

[James Nazarian Jr <James.Nazarian@Colorado.EDU>]

I am nearly ready to pull the engine/trans from the 71BGT, but I am having
one problem.  As I remember it, the shift lever should be removed to make
life easier.  I pulled the knob and boot and removed the retaining plate
with the three bolts on the trans that fits over the shift lever, at this
point I thought that the lever lifted right out, but if it did I wouldn't
be writing this.  What am I missing?  

James Nazarian
'71 B roadster
'71 BGT rust free and burnt orange
'74 BGT going by-by soon
'63 Buick 215