13 speed Shifter removal

I can’t remove the bolt connecting the shifter to the tower in my 386 Pete. Is there a trick? It won’t budge!!

 

Lol. Ok. I’ve got it in the vice and turned it cherry red but it’s not going to budge. I didn’t check for joint play prior to heating it so I’m not sure if I damaged it or not. I’m going to trim bolt down flush with shifter and try to punch it out or drill it out. Try and save shifter tower. Thanks.

 

I had it in the vise last night before posting this thread. The beating this bolt is taking…

 

Got it out!! Soaking it over night and a BIG hammer. The shifter has a rubber sleeve inserted in bottom that got toasted by torch and will need to be replaced.