Anyone have any ideas on how i can go about protecting the peice around the shift lever in my 02 from getting scratched even more?

 

If you do a search on the Web, I believe you can find sticky clear films that you can cut out and stick on the plate.

I believe 3M makes a clear plastic sheeting to stick on body panels to protect it from road debris. You can probably use that.

 

I will see what i can find.