how to remove shifter, 97 metro

[merrimack]

Hi metro lovers;
My daughter just bought a 1997 metro low milage and a great price. It's in near perfect condition except for the shifter, The shifter (automatic trans.) base where the shift stick comes out of the console is missing the plate that indicates which gear your in and that plate I believe also has a slide plate to keep loose change and debris out of the slot. My problem is, how do I remove the shift handle to replace the plate assembly. Hopfully I have explained my problem understandably.