Tim:
Some other data I picked up from others on TBird sites:
Q: "Can anyone explain to me how to remove the shifter knob on the bird? I would like to replace mine. Any ideas or instructions?"
A: "Simple, slide the chrome ring down and it will expose a couple of screws. Check the price for that little item. Just replaced one on my car. It should be obvious when you look at the replacement knob"
Also: "I think someone once mentioned that the shift knobs are over $250 (retail), and I don't remember if any differentiation was made between the hard painted wood and the leather-wrapped ones."
More data: "If your mechanically inclined you can save a little over $100.00. Buying the steering wheel and shift knob from a Ford dealer and then having them install them is about a $500.00 charge."