just installed colored shift boot-dont do it
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: diamond bar
just installed colored shift boot-dont do it
If you are thinking about installing a leather colored shift boot-dont. I spent $40 on one for my 95. Leather & color quality is xlnt but many installation problems: 4 holes have to be cut in the boot. The old support bracket has to be modified to fit the new boot & 4 longer screws (not supplied) have to be used because the mounting base is different. After 2 hours of cutting & filing i installed the console & realized that the new boot is not the same exact size as the old boot: when the shift lever is moved in its full range of motion the leather is being stretched a little when it is in park. This will eventually tear the boot. A waste of $40.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
From: YOUR BACK PORCH
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (racerx)
Thanks alot for the tip, I was thinking about doing that. But with my incredible lack of patience, and your info, I just scratched it off my list. Thanks! :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 0
From: Amateur driver on open course.
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (93TorchRedC4)
Thanks alot for the tip, I was thinking about doing that. But with my incredible lack of patience, and your info, I just scratched it off my list. Thanks! :seeya
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 2
From: Austin TX
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (racerx)
When I did mine (85 manual) I noticed that the hole for the shifter was not
centered front to rear and if I put it on the "wrong way", the leather would
stretch taught when the shifter moved forward. I turned it around and it
fits well that way.
I punched the four holes through with a scratch awl (like an ice pick).
Dan
:)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: diamond bar
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (danno85)
Yes, the mounting holes were offset & there is only one way to install it. I am hoping that leaving the trans lever in park that it will stretch the boot a little over time. The boot will tear in the future where i cut the 4 holes in the leather to mount it. :sad:
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 3,401
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (racerx)
I know the feeling. I ordered a red boot from Ecklers last year and there was no way it would work. Best way to do this is to have your upholstery shop fabricate one for your car that will fit correctly. The cost difference will be insignificant.
Clint
Clint
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (racerx)
I suppose you could always get a shorter shifter, then the throw won't be so far... you've already taken apart the whole shifter ****, so install would be cake.
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 5
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (racerx)
Got one from Caravaggio last year, fit easily with no problems, and it already had the holes cut out for the screws to pass through.
They have a stock boot and they use it for a templet.
Then again it's you always get what you pay for.
They have a stock boot and they use it for a templet.
Then again it's you always get what you pay for.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (racerx)
Thanks for the heads up. I had thought about doing it. After reading your post, it's one thing I don't have to do.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 178
Likes: 15
From: Maineville OH
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (Steel Blue 91)
I added a red boot to my 88 just last weekend. Ordered it from Ecklers. Did not come with the holes, but that's what I have self-tapping screws for, heh,heh...
Only other problem was the hole at the top was a bit small and took a bit of force to get it over the end of the shifter shaft.
Looks good, though.
Only other problem was the hole at the top was a bit small and took a bit of force to get it over the end of the shifter shaft.
Looks good, though.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,914
Likes: 101
From: Manassas VA
NoVa Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '14
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (racerx)
If you are thinking about installing a leather colored shift boot-dont. I spent $40 on one for my 95. Leather & color quality is xlnt but many installation problems: 4 holes have to be cut in the boot. The old support bracket has to be modified to fit the new boot & 4 longer screws (not supplied) have to be used because the mounting base is different. After 2 hours of cutting & filing i installed the console & realized that the new boot is not the same exact size as the old boot: when the shift lever is moved in its full range of motion the leather is being stretched a little when it is in park. This will eventually tear the boot. A waste of $40.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 5
From: OKC Oklahoma
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (racerx)
I bought one from Mid-America, had no problems what so ever....all the screws still worked and the holes were in the right places, maybe you just got a bad egg...?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (_freakmonkeydogboy_)
Maybe the one you got was for a different model(4+3 or auto or C5?) Doesn't make sense to have that bad a time of it. I'd have sent it back. :nono:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: diamond bar
Re: just installed colored shift boot-dont do it (Bluewasp)
I bought it from Mid America for $40. It looks good when its installed. i am :mad it didnt have a metal support built in & no holes cut in to it.
