For a '69, lift straight up on the Firebird button to remove it. A circlip will be revealed. Remove the circlip and the knob, be careful to remember which parts go where.
Vikki 1969 Goldenrod Yellow / black 400 convertible numbers matching
I do it a little different. I take off the snap ring just below the knob. Just take it out of the groove and slide it down. Then slide the knob down the stick so you can see the button clip. Carefully pry out on the clip tab as you pull off the button. The top snap ring is easy to take off now. Slide the knob up and off. Jim
And lowering the knob makes it easier to take the button off the correct way releasing the clip instead of forcing it off. These old clips and plastic will not tolerate much abuse. Jim
Perhaps my shifter button has seen excessive wear; it lifts right off with only slight resistance from the clips, yet nothing is broken. Thanks for the information.
Vikki 1969 Goldenrod Yellow / black 400 convertible numbers matching
Another option is to leave the knob in place. You can weasel the top plate through the opening of the console and remove the console without taking anything on the shifter apart.