Need new shift boot again....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 2
From: Corona CA
Need new shift boot again....
I am having no luck with shift boots lately.
My car is a 65 with a manual trans. Not sure what the deal is but I have had 3 in the last few years and now need a #4. I get about 500 miles sometimes less before they rip or start to just fall apart. Are there any good reproductions out there? I have to admit I have never really cared for the look of the stock rubber, maybe someone makes a nice leather setup that would be durable and look good?
TIA
Darren
My car is a 65 with a manual trans. Not sure what the deal is but I have had 3 in the last few years and now need a #4. I get about 500 miles sometimes less before they rip or start to just fall apart. Are there any good reproductions out there? I have to admit I have never really cared for the look of the stock rubber, maybe someone makes a nice leather setup that would be durable and look good?
TIA
Darren
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 619
From: northern CA
Somewhat related - in my case the clutch fork boot rubber developed a tear over time just sitting in place. The car was in restoration and not driven. .. A 1/8" and 1/4" vacuum plug both developed cracks and eventually broke open (leak) in about 6 months time.
In contrast the the shift boot in my car was replaced back in the mid 90's and is still in good condition. Must have gotten one of the last good ones.
In contrast the the shift boot in my car was replaced back in the mid 90's and is still in good condition. Must have gotten one of the last good ones.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
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I've been using a leather C-4 boot for years. Mine is a little different because I have a Long shifter that is a little larger and taller than a Hurst of stocker. It just speeds up the tearing process.
I leave the rubber one in place as an extra shield and just lay the C-4 one over it. It's rectangular in shape and you have to slightly bend down the left rear corner..but otherwise the console lays back down over it and holds it in place just fine. It's got a lot more room for the shifter within it.
JIM
I leave the rubber one in place as an extra shield and just lay the C-4 one over it. It's rectangular in shape and you have to slightly bend down the left rear corner..but otherwise the console lays back down over it and holds it in place just fine. It's got a lot more room for the shifter within it.
JIM
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,442
Likes: 64
From: 50 kilometers outside Oslo Norway
with 427HotrodI also use a leather boot and i have a factory shifter. Not that it is because the shifter boot last longer but i think it looks better
427Hotrod. How does the C4 shifter boot fit the C2?
Last edited by TheSaint; Jun 25, 2012 at 04:34 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,015
Likes: 331
From: Southeast Missouri
I don't know who makes a good one and who doesn't, but I do know that the quality of some of the rubber products manufactured over the past few years leaves a lot to be desired . . . . .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,015
Likes: 331
From: Southeast Missouri
No doubt that a leather one would outlast most of the rubber reproductions sold these days. And unless you're a purist, I think the leather does look "classier" than the rubber ones. Then again, I thought the walnut grained shift **** with the 4-speed pattern in the top looked "classier" than the chrome **** on my '63 back in '67. I never minded a few similar "upgrades" as long as they were reversible back to original . . . . .
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,777
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From: Canada's capital
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Once again, if they are Chinese made, they suck! All Chinese rubber stuff doesn't last. See if you can find a domestic one....fat chance!
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,786
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From: Park Bench #805 NE Indiana
I am having no luck with shift boots lately.
My car is a 65 with a manual trans. Not sure what the deal is but I have had 3 in the last few years and now need a #4. I get about 500 miles sometimes less before they rip or start to just fall apart. Are there any good reproductions out there? I have to admit I have never really cared for the look of the stock rubber, maybe someone makes a nice leather setup that would be durable and look good?
TIA
Darren
My car is a 65 with a manual trans. Not sure what the deal is but I have had 3 in the last few years and now need a #4. I get about 500 miles sometimes less before they rip or start to just fall apart. Are there any good reproductions out there? I have to admit I have never really cared for the look of the stock rubber, maybe someone makes a nice leather setup that would be durable and look good?
TIA
Darren
The shift boots today are poorly made of cheap rubber. You may just have to keep replacing every couple years, or go with a leather one, and they also look like **** after a couple of years.
Bruce
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,019
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From: Russellville, Kentucky 1967 Sting Ray & 2001 C5
American Power Train sells a leather boot that is used on a Jaguar... Fits like it was made for a stock shifter. I have one on my Tremec 5 speed "stock shifter handle"