How to remove gear lever ext housing?

[Martiny]

Hi guys

As per the title...

1981, 1st Gen gearbox, 5 speed.

I need to remove the gear lever housing. I have undone the 4 x 12mm bolts, and I have removed the little plate cover the end of the housing. So I can see the shaft.

The housing is actuall loose, I can pry it away from the gearbox a little, but I am loathe to bend or break something.

How do I remove it?