Joe, the shifter boot is rubber, it is held in place by the console cover and a flanged lip on the console. It is very pliable and should not give you any problem removing it. One consolation, if, because of extreme old age, it tears OGTS has replica replacements. The console is held in place with 4 spring clips, two at the rear and two midway up and possibly two screws in the front edge. It's been so long since I've had mine on. 
