4-speed console

I have installed a 4-speed in my 68 Cuda, got the correct shifter and boot for console and now I have to put it together. My question is: Whats the best sequence to putting the shifter/console/console top in. I never thought about this till now. I think that the shifter needs to be bolted in and then the boot needs to be attached to the top because it attaches from underneath. So do I put the boot on the console top, then attach to the console, then slip it all over the shifter handle, then bolt it down. It seems like that's the only way to do it but it will be awkward to move the whole console; those suckers are heavy!