Shifter Boot

[Cribbs74]

I am getting into the smaller details and I am trying to come up with an accordian style rubber boot that fits into the 71-73 full console.

The shifter handle is a hurst and there is a rubber accordion style available for the 1970. Does anyone have any idea if this would work or work with minor modification?

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Tnfastbk]

It will work and was the only one available at the time I built my car. Not sure at this moment because I haven't looked in many years.

 

[Hemikiller]

I've been using the 70 boot since the early 90s. It works fine. There's an upgraded boot on NPD that's supposed to last longer.

 

[cjstaci]

The 70 boot works fine if you have the rectangular shifter. I think there’s a repo boot for the round shifter that’s correct for 72-73 models.

 

[Stanglover]

I use the rubber boot for the 71 from NPD, BUT i have found they tend to split at the rectangular hole. My fix for this is to clean the inside with (90%) isopropyl alcohol then apply my fav product Automotive Goop to the inside to reinforce the hole area. A stick cut to fit with some cling wrap will act as a plug while the Goop cures. I get several years out of one this way.

 

[rio1856]

Another option is that you might be able to make this reinforcement piece that WCCC use to sell. This simple piece is made out of ABS. It's a little bit under quarter of an inch thick . It fits in the first accordion bellow of the 70's shifter boot. I would also use Stanglover's suggestion and use Automotive Goop to reinforce the attachment of the piece to the bellow. Just spitballing another an idea.

https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.c...ar-/-1970-ford-mustang.html?sessionthemeid=26
https://www.musclecarresearch.com/7277-1

 

[Stanglover]

Another option is that you might be able to make this reinforcement piece that WCCC use to sell. This simple piece is made out of ABS. It's a little bit under quarter of an inch thick . It fits in the first accordion bellow of the 70's shifter boot. I would also use Stanglover's suggestion and use Automotive Goop to reinforce the attachment of the piece to the bellow. Just spitballing another an idea.

https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.c...ar-/-1970-ford-mustang.html?sessionthemeid=26
https://www.musclecarresearch.com/7277-1

Interesting.
I forgot to mention that I also found out it needed an extra filler piece under the boot. This was mainly due to the need to close a 3/8" gap between the (mini) console and the shifter boot for better appearance. This also had the effect of moving the boot higher up the rectangular stick, therefore reducing the strain on the boot hole. Because in my case, the plastic was grey, I added a 1/8" piece of black ABS to improve the look.

 

[Stanglover]

Rather than add to the reply above, here's a question. Which way around should the boot fit? See the pictures I took with the boot fitted either way and how the 4 bolt hole align with the base. I chose pic #2. Why would the slot not be centered is another question?

 

[Stanglover]

I am getting into the smaller details and I am trying to come up with an accordian style rubber boot that fits into the 71-73 full console.

The shifter handle is a hurst and there is a rubber accordion style available for the 1970. Does anyone have any idea if this would work or work with minor modification?

Thanks,

Ron

By the way, you don't describe your car, year, type, engine, trans.
If it's a 71 4 speed, you'll have the rectangular stick, if a 72, it will be round. Regardless, adding some reinforcement can't hurt.

 

[Sheriff41]

Interesting.
I forgot to mention that I also found out it needed an extra filler piece under the boot. This was mainly due to the need to close a 3/8" gap between the (mini) console and the shifter boot for better appearance. This also had the effect of moving the boot higher up the rectangular stick, therefore reducing the strain on the boot hole. Because in my case, the plastic was grey, I added a 1/8" piece of black ABS to improve the look.

Would you happen to have the measurements you used for the 1/8" escutcheon piece you made? They sell for $30 for something that probably costs $5 or less.

 

[Stanglover]

Would you happen to have the measurements you used for the 1/8" escutcheon piece you made? They sell for $30 for something that probably costs $5 or less.

Not off the top of my head as I just cut out what I needed. Maybe I can come up with something and let you know.

 

[Stanglover]

Another option is that you might be able to make this reinforcement piece that WCCC use to sell. This simple piece is made out of ABS. It's a little bit under quarter of an inch thick . It fits in the first accordion bellow of the 70's shifter boot. I would also use Stanglover's suggestion and use Automotive Goop to reinforce the attachment of the piece to the bellow. Just spitballing another an idea.

https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.c...ar-/-1970-ford-mustang.html?sessionthemeid=26
https://www.musclecarresearch.com/7277-1

I can hand make those quite easily. If there is demand, I can make to order, but as I'm in Canada, I'll need to charge $5 US plus actual mail to your zip code.
PM me for orders.
Actually, I remember now that I added a piece like this to my shifter boot as well as using GOOP.

 

[Hemikiller]

From the 429 Megasite, the filler panel for the manual transmission shift boot.

 

[Cribbs74]

Sorry guys, I wasn’t clear on my description. The car is a 1972 Coupe, but has a T-5 transmission installed. As such it has a rectangular Hurst shifter handle.

I appreciate all the replies and ideas. It seems relatively straight forward. My only concern is the shifter exits towards the front of the factory tunnel opening which I was told by MDL is correct. I am not sure if the boot will center on the shift handle using the factory mount holes.

 

[Stanglover]

Sorry guys, I wasn’t clear on my description. The car is a 1972 Coupe, but has a T-5 transmission installed. As such it has a rectangular Hurst shifter handle.

I appreciate all the replies and ideas. It seems relatively straight forward. My only concern is the shifter exits towards the front of the factory tunnel opening which I was told by MDL is correct. I am not sure if the boot will center on the shift handle using the factory mount holes.

Well, thanks for clarifying what your car is and what you have in it. That's a different kettle of fish so to speak. You may end up making something like a leather or vinyl boot to fit. Perhaps someone else has a better idea.

 

[Stanglover]

From the 429 Megasite, the filler panel for the manual transmission shift boot.

View attachment 76138

Well Hemi, that saves me hunting for an old boot I (thought I) have somewhere, but can't seem to find.

 

[Idaho Chris]

Well Hemi, that saves me hunting for an old boot I (thought I) have somewhere, but can't seem to find.

I bought the filler panel Hemikiller posted already fabricated. For the life of me I cannot remember where. NPD?

I also used the boot insert 'Rio referenced: https://www.musclecarresearch.com/7277-1

I have not had a problem with my boot tearing.

 

[Stanglover]

I bought the filler panel Hemikiller posted already fabricated. For the life of me I cannot remember where. NPD?

I also used the boot insert 'Rio referenced: https://www.musclecarresearch.com/7277-1

I have not had a problem with my boot tearing.

Chris, yes, I know that part is available, but like you, not sure where. I usually buy my parts from NPD so likely that's where.
Thinking back, I'm sure I also made a plastic insert for the rectangular hole as well as using Goop. I would have used 1/8 ABS, and those I can make.