Left Navigation Pane: Customize the Form and select the Navigation area and remove.
For the Ribbon: Review the following link, includes examples -
Customize the Ribbon for Microsoft Dynamics CRM
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg309639.aspx
Good CRM Links: http://www.workopia.com/Links.htm My CRM Blog: http://microsoft-crm.spaces.live.com