R380 Gearbox Question

I've acquired a One Ten bitsa with a Disco 300Tdi conversion including the R380 gearbox which now poses the annoying problem that the seat box has been cut up to accommodate the position of the gearshifter.



I'm planning on heating up the gearstick and bending it so the crank in it goes forward. When I took it to bits as per the photo i noticed that the bit under the black seal is plastic too



I'd imagine it'd be best to remove the shift rod. If I remove the bolts around the shift rod and diff lock/high low range rod will the top lift out so I can remove the shift rod?

Thanks,
Paddy

lower stick will pull out as is or you can just unbolt complete top

Great stuff. Thanks (again lol)