A DIY leather shift boot and E-Brake boot project


jcthorne

GT Owner
Aug 30, 2011
792
Houston
I have been futzing with this project for a few weeks, trying different things, parts and fitments. I had an image in my mind of what I wanted the end result to look like and the available aftermarket kits just did not do it for me. Lots of trial and error and tossed in the trash ideas that did not pan out. But. I finally have a result I am very pleased with in fit, look and quality to match the car's OEM interior. Just thought I would share the results of my efforts with some folks here that might appreciate the small details. Feel free to criticize if I missed something. Its never quite finished.

Anyway, a pic:

IMAG0220.jpg
 
Looks nice. Any details on how you did it and how long it took?
 
Here are the parts I ened up using:

I purchased the shift boot and ebrake boot from Redline leather. The shift boot is for a 5 speed C4 corvette. Lower mounting flange removed and leather edges trimmed.
Ebrake boot is for a 1990 BMW M3 with 3 handle end stitches removed and then restitched to allow 1/8" larger diameter at handle. Leather tucks inside OEM groove on handle.

Shift boot lower retainer (holds leather to console) is a Moog coil spring isolator for a 65 Mustang, pn K80923 This was the exact fit for the console opening and snaps the boot to the console from inside the boot.
Shift boot to knob retainer is for an 05 Mustang GT aftermarket ball on a Steeda shifter (12x 1.75mm thread) and finished satin aluminum anodized.

As I said, lots of other parts were tried or looked at to get to these that fit. I spent weeks on this but if I had all the parts, installation would be less than an hour and no permanent modification to the car. OEM rubber boots come off unharmed and can easily be reinstalled. Removal of the console is not required although if you have the short throw shifter, the install would be easier when the console is still lifted up as the clearance between the shifter and console is tight at the left front.
 
Nice work. Thanks for sharing.

AJK
 
Really looks good, I love it. More like what I've been looking for. Tomy
 
OEM rubber boots come off unharmed and can easily be reinstalled. .

Why would you want to? :ack

You did a super nice job. :thumbsup
 
It looks beautiful!
Thats right up their with my friend Al's travel bags!
 
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I have been futzing with this project for a few weeks, trying different things, parts and fitments. I had an image in my mind of what I wanted the end result to look like and the available aftermarket kits just did not do it for me. Lots of trial and error and tossed in the trash ideas that did not pan out. But. I finally have a result I am very pleased with in fit, look and quality to match the car's OEM interior. Just thought I would share the results of my efforts with some folks here that might appreciate the small details. Feel free to criticize if I missed something.

Looks very nice