Removing carpet...

I'm converting my 72 demon column shift/bench seats to a floor shifter car. I need to remove the carpet to install the new shifter and was wondering how I go about removing the carpet. Do I just yank and pull or what? Also, is it possible to remove it with the bench seats still in? I just need to remove it enough to mount the shifter (b&m hammershifter).

Also, how about installation? Do I need anything special?