Lower Boot for Shifter
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 10
From: Kulpmont PA
Lower Boot for Shifter
I'm replacing the lower boot on the shifter of my 69. It appears that besides the screws an adhesive or sealant is used in attaching it. I assume that it can be detached with care and a sharp knife. Should a sealant be used when I install the new boot?
Last edited by roy69; Apr 2, 2010 at 10:43 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 10
From: Kulpmont PA
I've finally gotten it off - there wasnt any sealant, just stuck with old age (the car's, not mine 
).
While the boot is off, the shift linkage below it looks like it could use some fresh lube. Does that get plain old chassis grease, or is there something more suitable?
). While the boot is off, the shift linkage below it looks like it could use some fresh lube. Does that get plain old chassis grease, or is there something more suitable?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 4
From: Upland Ca
Are talking the rods or the actual shifter? The rods should have plastic bushings on each end, do not lube these. Think I would leave shift linkage dry. Dirt, gravel, etc swirling around while going down the road could stick to the lube and cause binding.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
There are no plastic bushings in the shift rod ends. The lower shift boot is held in place by the six screws from the top, as well as two clips inside the transmission tunnel. As long as you have it apart this far, you might think about pulling the shifter out and doing a quick overhaul. They work so much smoother when they are clean and have a fresh coating of white lithium grease. Zip has a paper on their web site on how to take the shifter apart and put it back together. Of course, if you don't feel comfortable disconnecting the shifter from the transmission and bracket, then just leave it alone.
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
It looks like that whole mess is too loose. Put an inspection mirror down on the left side of the assembly to see if the E-clip is still in place and not bent out of shape. If it is, you can squeeze the assembly together with a Vice-Grip and install a new E-clip. Costs ~$0.25 at the hardware store and it will tighten up the shifter considerably.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
I had the same situation last spring. I cleaned the shifter assembly using a couple of spray cans of brake cleaner. When things dried out, I put a light coating of white lithium spray grease on and it worked like new. Very easy and only cost me a $10.00 bill. And I didn't have to get under the car!!!!!!!! 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 10
From: Kulpmont PA
Thanks for all the input. Shifting has not been a problem. When I removed the old boot - which was being replaced because it was torn - I saw the old hairy greasy mess. Since there has not been a problem shifting, I did a manual clean of the area. There was still some lube in the contact areas - so I'm going to leave it like that for now. If I feel some change in shifting down the road, I'll open it back up clean it completely and put some white lithium grease in it.
Again - thanks for all the responses.
Again - thanks for all the responses.
