firstly, I'm sorry if this is a dumb request-I have previous when it comes to damaging things needlessly.  I am trying to remove the centre console on my Fabia 2.  the gaiter over the gear stick has a circular fitting with a chrome band where it comes up through the console rather than a 'squared' fitting like all the online videos I can find show.  can someone kindly tell me if there is a trick I'm missing pls?  on mine it does seem resolutely stuck fast.  I don't want to lever where it shouldn't be levered etc.  as I said, I'm sorry if this is a really simple thing (which I suspect it is).  too king regards JD

I think you just lever it off gently.  Use a plastic pry tool if you can, or a small flat bladed screwdriver but be careful not to slip and scratch it. The whole gear lever can then be removed by holding one part of the inner plastic clamp and twisting the other bit a bit, like changing a lightbulb. Then the whole gear lever just slips off.

10 hours ago, mrgf said:

I think you just lever it off gently.  Use a plastic pry tool if you can, or a small flat bladed screwdriver but be careful not to slip and scratch it. The whole gear lever can then be removed by holding one part of the inner plastic clamp and twisting the other bit a bit, like changing a lightbulb. Then the whole gear lever just slips off.

thank you so much for the quick reply, too kind.  it almost goes without saying that within about 10 minutes and much scrolling I found a short video showing my model!   it's the only one I'd found after much searching,and it confirms you are absolutely correct.  I thought this had to be the way, 'couldn't really be anything else, but it is rather tight.  I'll give it a go once it warms up a bit, no point in getting cold!  thanks again. really appreciate it, best wishes JD