1. On a side-shift transmission ('72 car converted to side shift), it appears one must remove or at least raise the engine to get the front shift rod out and replace, correct? Trying to figure out how much stomach I have for that on a beautiful weekend I could be ...

AND

2. To install the side shift console plastic cover on the console it looks like I have to remove the rear shift rod, correct? Looks like I have to disconnect coupler at front, disconnect at console, move back from firewall, then forward and out the bushing on the console. So much for a 30 second "feel good" job...

Correct on both.
If you don't have the rubber bellows on the console cover you can put a split in the sleeve and work it over the shift rod without pulling the rod.

Thanks, Chris. On question 1, is it possible to raise the engine high enough easily to get the shift rod under the engine support bar?

I'm pretty sure Ed does it that way sometimes but I think its better to support the engine and remove the bar.

Thanks Gents .............

Just the info I was looking for. Working on my 4-5 shift bind. Might need to do this.

I'm with Chris. Support the engine, drop the engine bar out of the way.

I guess I'd never attempted to pull the rod with the engine is place. Chris should the rod come completely your firewall bushing? Or will I need to R & R.

Installing the firewall bushing doesn't require removing the rod from the tunnel.
If the old bushing isn't already split at the flange you can cut it with a knife so the flange falls off.
Then the new bearing can be riveted to the firewall.
Or you can undo the rod at the front and slide it forward into the tunnel while the old bushing is being removed.

Sorry, I didn't provide enough info. I already have your firewall bushing installed.

Oh, do you want to know if my bearing needs to be removed in order to remove the tunnel rod?
The answer is no.

I just installed my new console plastic cover. One allen wrench, and about 5 minutes of work on the shift rod. The cone screws ensure it goes back together just as it was. I spent just as long getting the cover strap correct!
Good luck!

If a side shift mount bar was part of the side shift install, the rod should just slide out to the front.

What Curt said.
After I removed Chris's removable firewall bearing it slid right out.