Please Help.... E-Brake and paint question

[euronater]

Hey guys, not new to the forums but will now be posting a little more regularly, I have a 98 TDI that I'm trying to bring back to from the dead for the summer. I brought the car to wateriest and h20 last year but I'm trying to clean it up a lot more than i have already. My first question is about the roof. The paint is really dull and before i do anything to it I was wondering if it needed a respray or just needed to be "buffed" out. Pictures for reference below.... My next question is how do I remove the "ring" that is on the e-brake so i can replace the cover. The shift boot has been replaced from the rubber to leather and i have the e- brake cover just can't get the damn thing off. Sorry If the post is long but I truly appreciate and advice you guys can give. Thanks in advance!
The roof:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7547396...n/photostream/
The E-Brake, I think theres a release underneath?:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7547396...in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7547396...in/photostream

[SickinVic]

Roof probably just needs some wax and buff and such
for the e-brake, just stick a flathead under the edge and turn slowly. its a pretty tough peice of plastic. if you think youre going to break it, stop. pretty simple good luck

[euronater]

Thanks a lot man! I appreciate the quick reply and am very grateful for the tip on the e-brake cause it been bothering me a lot. to you