Is there anyway to strip the mounting plate of the stick without damaging it.

Dunno.
But if you find out let me know, since I need to do this too at some point.

If you mean you want to remove the pivot ball etc, then it is possible to push the rubber spring above it back and file the crimped lugs on the gear stick to allow everything to be slid off the stick .It can then be put back together and a washer tacked on to locate afterwards.
I did it this way when i modifed mine for a quick shift .
Paul.