Well I was at my local Auto Zone and a black leather shift boot with red stitching caught my eye. I already have the center console and all out to install my aftermarket stereo, so I figure what the heck.

So I take the stock shift boot off without bothering to see how it was connected. Now I have 4 little metal clips and no idea how to fit the new shift boot back on. Can anyone help me?

Dave

Dave, I believe the best way and possibly the easiest way is to remove the center console. You will likely find more metal clips (mine had 6 or 8 IIRC) under the console area. Basically, when the console is out and turned over, you roll the edges of the new boot over the the bottom edge lip of the shifter opening and install the clips over the boot material and shifter opening lip. Note: My clips were pretty stiff, so be carefull not to rip the boot when installing the clips. Location of the clips is up to you. Hope this helps you out.

^^ya, my clips tore my spankin new reproduction boot.... but once i got the hang of it, it was cake

Hi,

On my early '74 260z the boot is clipped to the edge of console using 8 metal clips. The clips sandwich both the edge of the boot, and the edge of the plastic console together inside it. They go all the way around the boot-hole, two on each of the four sides.

I hope that helps!

Dave, I believe the best way and possibly the easiest way is to remove the center console. You will likely find more metal clips (mine had 6 or 8 IIRC) under the console area. Basically, when the console is out and turned over, you roll the edges of the new boot over the the bottom edge lip of the shifter opening and install the clips over the boot material and shifter opening lip. Note: My clips were pretty stiff, so be carefull not to rip the boot when installing the clips. Location of the clips is up to you. Hope this helps you out.

Good advice.

Be careful installing the clips. The leather is thicker than the old vinyl boot. I used a small screw driver to (CAREFULLY) pry the clips over the console lip. On some of the clips I had to use a small ball peen hammer to finish seating the clips fully. Take your time.

thanks for the advice guys. I feel kind of dumb because I can rebuild an engine but install a shifter boot . I think there were more clips- I'll check. I did try it, but the elastic strap inside the leather is a bite small, so I might have to snip it so it can fit. I just hope I don't ruin a perfectly good $25 shift boot.

Dave

Oh yeah, on the one I installed ("Wheelskins" brand) I had to trim 1/2" off the bottom of the boot because the leather was folded over and stitched (double thick) for some reason. If I hadn't done that, I'd never have gotten the clips installed