Problem with fitting the shift boot
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Southeast WI
Problem with fitting the shift boot
I can't believe I'm having trouble with this. It seems like such a simple thing to do. I'm trying to replace the leather shift boot on my 4spd. I bought a replacement boot from Mid America.
The problem is that the metal bracket that is around the perimeter base of the boot is too big. It seems impossible to bend it into place on the shift plate. I'm afraid to bend it too much because I plan to send it back to Mid America.
Am I missing an obvious solution? Has anyone else had this problem? Where else can I buy a leather shift boot?
Thanks for your help.
-TeleMan
The problem is that the metal bracket that is around the perimeter base of the boot is too big. It seems impossible to bend it into place on the shift plate. I'm afraid to bend it too much because I plan to send it back to Mid America.
Am I missing an obvious solution? Has anyone else had this problem? Where else can I buy a leather shift boot?
Thanks for your help.
-TeleMan
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle
I one of these too. I think the idea is that the metal bracket thing goes around the outside of the frame rather than the inside. I figured to do this you'd have to take a whole load of the interior apart so I didn't bother. I cut off the metal bracket part and stuck the leather to inside of the hole in the colnsole. Looks ok, but I plan to make somekind of bracket that will fit around the inside of the hole to cover the edges of the leather.
Sorry if none of that made any sense
Sorry if none of that made any sense
&amp;quot;Rodstoration &am p;quot; In Progres
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 1
From: Frisco TX
Originally Posted by Tele_Man
Gosh, I feel like a real idiot! I never considered that the bracket goes on the OUTSIDE. Ugh!
Thanks for slapping me silly. I'll give it try today.
-TeleMan
Thanks for slapping me silly. I'll give it try today.
-TeleMan
Then had an issue with the metal trim ring fitting around the outside as needed... What should have been a 5 minute job turned into a few hours.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Southeast WI
I just finished the job. My advice to everyone is to take the shift plate off first. Yeah, it's a pain in the a-- to take off the ventilation ***** and then disconnect the cigarette lighter and the rear fiber optics.... but it's mandatory. The dog-gone shift boot bracket is not exactly a precision fit. I had to bang it into place with a hammer and a piece of 2x4 wood. I never was able to get the screws into place, but the bracket seems to be tightly secured to the shift plate.
You are absolutely right - this shouldn't be such a struggle.
Everything is back together and the console looks sweet.
Another mission accomplished!
You are absolutely right - this shouldn't be such a struggle.
Everything is back together and the console looks sweet.
Another mission accomplished!
