[C1] shifter boot
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
shifter boot
Hi Guys, I have a 4 speed with a shifter reverse trigger lock on my 283 engine with T10 transmission.
I have tried several of the rubber shifter boots sold in the various C1 parts catalogs (ZIP, C America, Ecklers), but they all slip out from under the chrome trim ring (even when I use gasket sealer/glue between boot and ring to hold it in place).
Does anyone have a good suggestion on how to keep the rubber boot in place or a lead on a nice aftermarket leather boot that will fit/expand over the "t" reverse trigger lock and fit under the trim ring?
Can't believe I'm the only vette with this issue. Thanks for any help you can provide.
I have tried several of the rubber shifter boots sold in the various C1 parts catalogs (ZIP, C America, Ecklers), but they all slip out from under the chrome trim ring (even when I use gasket sealer/glue between boot and ring to hold it in place).
Does anyone have a good suggestion on how to keep the rubber boot in place or a lead on a nice aftermarket leather boot that will fit/expand over the "t" reverse trigger lock and fit under the trim ring?
Can't believe I'm the only vette with this issue. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,001
Likes: 1,056
From: Arlington TX
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 Restomod of the Year Finalist
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
As far as I can tell, you ARE the only one with that kind of problem. Something is wrong, misalignment somewhere. Are you using the correct trim plate? Is your tunnel correct? BTW, those boots sold by the corvette part houses are crap, too thin and won’t last. A better boot is at RockAuto.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
Try 3M Super Trim Adhesive (not the General Adhesive). But yeah something doesn’t sound right. Do you have the original shifter ?
If the boot is pulling that hard even if you get the base to stick the rubber will eventually tear
If the boot is pulling that hard even if you get the base to stick the rubber will eventually tear
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Sep 30, 2018 at 11:21 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,164
Likes: 4,171
From: Kannapolis NC
Explain where the boot is coming loose. Are you sure you have the right boot? I didn't use any kind of adhesive on my 60 and it has never pulled out. Does it pull out the bottom when you go to 1/3, or top in 2/4? Side in reverse?
Last edited by 65GGvert; Sep 30, 2018 at 08:56 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
The shifter has to be in neutral when the screw holes line up . If everything is not lined up it will push too hard on the boot one way or the other and cause it to pop out of the trim . You might have to drill new holes when you get everything centered . That boot should work .
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,658
Likes: 3,117
From: Shamong, NJ
The boot that Paragon makes has a wire molded in around the circumference of the boot, to help prevent it from pulling out. I've had very good luck with the Paragon boots. Their website has installation instructions and some useful information about how to extend the life of their boots.
http://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-349...hift-boot.aspx
http://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-349...hift-boot.aspx
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 53
From: Philadelphia Pa
I had that problem with my 59. Could not figure out why. There were some threads here years ago discussing the same issue, some felt that the repro boots were too thick and/or too stiff. In any event I had a tailor buddy of mine make up a nice red leather boot to go with my red interior. Looks good.
Last edited by Steve59; Sep 30, 2018 at 10:00 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 867
Likes: 260
From: Hinesville, GA & Oswego, NY
I have had my 60 Vette for 38 years, it is a daily driver, over the years I have changed a quite a few shift boots. Paragon does have the wire but the rubber is much thinner than the GM boot and isn't worth the time it takes to put it on, the only reason it has the wire in it is because the rubber is so thin it would not stay under plate without the wire.
Il have a couple of original boots still in GM boxes, the boot from Rock Auto is the closest I have found to the original or the GM replacement boot. They cost about half as much and last about 5 times as long as the ones from the various specialty vendors.
Bill
Il have a couple of original boots still in GM boxes, the boot from Rock Auto is the closest I have found to the original or the GM replacement boot. They cost about half as much and last about 5 times as long as the ones from the various specialty vendors.
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 163
From: Grand Harbor in South Carolina
Check out this sight: I bought the leather boot they say fits 58/63 Corvettes. The boot is of great quality BUT you do need to make a cut at the top as the hole is not large enough to go over the "T" reverse lock out. NOT A BIG DEAL. I had a shoe repair shop do the cut and punch holes beside the cut for shoe lace to tighten back up.Worked well for me. Good luck
www.redlinegoods.com
www.redlinegoods.com
Last edited by wib1961; Oct 1, 2018 at 01:53 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 311
From: St. Petersburg FL
I have had my 60 Vette for 38 years, it is a daily driver, over the years I have changed a quite a few shift boots. Paragon does have the wire but the rubber is much thinner than the GM boot and isn't worth the time it takes to put it on, the only reason it has the wire in it is because the rubber is so thin it would not stay under plate without the wire.
Il have a couple of original boots still in GM boxes, the boot from Rock Auto is the closest I have found to the original or the GM replacement boot. They cost about half as much and last about 5 times as long as the ones from the various specialty vendors.
Bill
Il have a couple of original boots still in GM boxes, the boot from Rock Auto is the closest I have found to the original or the GM replacement boot. They cost about half as much and last about 5 times as long as the ones from the various specialty vendors.
Bill
Rock Auto is often worth checking out. I just got a set of C1 rubber front motor mounts for a lot less than the reproduction vendors charge (hint, you may need to look for those under '54 Chevy). Besides reasonable prices, you also get a cool magnet, suitable for toolbox display, with every order.
