leather shift boot install

[jrusso07]

20160206_140810.jpg

I had a leather outer boot made for my 69 5 spd shiftt plate. I have the metal thing that looks like a liitle fence that is flexible and has ears on it. Does any one know how to use the metal thing that secure the boot to the shift plate?

Here's a pic of wherd I am so far but it doesn't seem correct.

[ed B]

That is the way I did mine, but I cut the metal strip so that it did not overlap - but mine was a 1600 and even though I ordered the metal strip for a 1600, it was too long. I trimmed the leather so that it was just long enough to overlap the metal collar and then used some channel lock pliers to crimp the metal tabs over the leather and the metal collar.
My boot was made for a 240Z and was much cheaper than the original version. It was quite a bit longer than the original, but I trimmed it to fit.

[jrusso07]

Thanks Ed. I should trim the metal holder down because it keeps springing out.

[ed B]

Yes, I had the same problem with mine. I also found it worked better if you changed the shape of the tabs slightly. If you just bend them straight away, the beginning ends will remain at a real sharp angle and it will keep the tab from holding and forcing the free end to slip off. I reshaped them so there was a very slight gap at the bend so that it had room to fit over the boot and the metal collar and then I was able to crimp the free end down better to hold it. With out this slight gap at the base of the bend, it would keep trying to slide off.

[jrusso07]

Yes, I noticed that. I think I will trim down the length and then preform the tabs over a mandrill, (a.k.a as a bolt or drill bit)

[ed B]

Good idea. I just used needle nose pliers, but I think your idea is better.

[jrusso07]

It's in! Your method worked great!

[ed B]

Glad to hear it, it looks great.

BTW do you know of anyone who has replaced the leather type material on the plate? I replaced mine but could not figure out a good way to remove and replace the shift pattern insert. I had to nip the attachment points and then epoxy it back in place. I tired to put some soder on the end of the nipped posts, but is did not stay.

[jrusso07]

The cover material on the plate is like a very thin vinyl. Not sure where to get it. Never tried to take it off. The shift plate pins are like rivets where the head gets peened over - actually more like gets expanded in a "x" pattern using a chisel or something of the like. I have been able to squeeze the end down and get it out and then peen it back in... I am sure epoxy works just as well.

[ed B]

Ok thanks. I bought a simulated leather vinyl to recover mine. It was a little thicker than the original, but was happy with the way it came out.

[jrusso07]

Looks great!

[ed B]

Thanks.