A couple of weeks ago I was replacing the shift boot and e-brake cover on my car since they were original and looking rather worn. After reading how to pull the shift knob off the car with lots of warning on how it will give and wack you in the head upon release - I carefully pulled, and pulled, and pulled - finally it came free and I managed to not wack myself in the head.......unfortunately upon release my body shot up and my shoulder hit the rearview mirror causing it to fall to the ground with a large chunk of the windshield still attached.........nice
.
So for those looking to change the shift boot, don't wack your head AND don't break with windshield.