[Vwdiesel] mk2 jetta exhaust tunnel heat shield removal

[ken1]

I have been lucky enough to get all of the push-on retainers off of the studs of my 91 jetta, but have yet to be able to "rotate it" off of the exhaust system. I am trying to gain access to the shifter box for a rebuild, but have not found any info in the Bentley or online that specifies what the "rotate off" the exhaust system means. I have tried several times and the shield always get stuck. I do not know if I should bend the heat shield or not, or if I should drop the exhaust down pipe and the muffler just to be able to remove the heat shield and be able to remove the shift box. Any  tips? Thanks.  

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1982 caddy 1.6L NA running
1967 convertible bug running
1980 caddy project