I found a good shift boot ring alternative
 

I had a heck of a time finding a plastic shifter ring for the console when I swapped from an A4 to a manual last month. I found an alternative on ebay and I think it works a lot better than the OEM version plus it's cheaper. This version is medal ring with hooks that clip into the console. It's a lot easier to pull the boot off and it doesn't break. Here's a picture of the one I bought.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...ifterRing1.jpg

The link for ebay is:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMESE%3AIT

I found it to be very nicely made.

thanks for posting...:thumbs:

Thanks for sharing! Just ordered one!

Been using one of these for a few weeks now. Much better than the OEM plastic.

Anyone want to mention which contact cement they used?

I used Weldwood, but any would be fine, since there's not really any strain on the boot after install.

I bought one a year ago havent installed it. Do you just fold it over on teh prongs with glue that was mentioned above?

I assumed thats how to do it too from the directions.

I used staples temporarily just to see how it would hold.

Unfortunately i have a strange aftermarket shifter (breathless performance) and it immediately came out of the hole. So basically I either need to go back to the stock shift boot retainer, order a different part for the breathless shifter (straight vs angled shaft) or put the stock shifter back in. All of them require more work or more money :(

Most boots have notches cut into the bottom that the prongs fit into. You need to make sure that you pull the leather far enough around the wire that the notches don't show when the boot is installed. It helped me to use binder clips to position the boot in place on the wire before gluing the flaps over.

Ordering now thanks

Just an update, of an old topic....


I bought one of these retainers a couple of weeks ago, and installed it yesterday. It really is, a cool little piece!

:yesnod:

Same here been on since I said I ordered those clips. Been on and off a few times so far so good..