Gear Selector Spring

[Mario]

Hi all

My gearstick has lost its spring in the neutral position and have got a new spring to sort it out. I tried to do it today (really entering into the unknown) but hit a snag before I got anywhere near the spring. I got the centre console loose, but could not get it over the handbrake lever. Haynes just says lift the lever up to remove the console, but mine doesnt go high enough. How do I get the handbrake lever to go higher/loosen it up? Is the adjuster screw on the side of the lever? And do you think this will give enough slack to get the console off?

Second challenge is changing the spring. There is nothing in Haynes about this, and wondered if anyone here has done this. A short guide would be really appreciated.

Cheers :)