ConcoursMustang Forums
Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Interior & Trunk => Topic started by: wcampbell on December 24, 2010, 12:16:57 AM
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I'm trying to install a new 4 speed shifter boot on my existing '65 lever. Given the T-handle is still intact what's the trick to installing a new one? Any pros willing to give the secret would be much appreciated!
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Stretch it. It will go over the T handle. Even old cracking original boots will stretch over the T
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Soak the rubber boot in nearly boiling hot water for a few minutes to get it soft and then stretch it over the T-handle using a long-handled screw driver as a leverage bar to get it over the t bars. It will work like a charm and it will not rip or tear. I had the exact same question a few years ago and someone gave me this same advice. It worked perfectly.
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hair dryer
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The repros stretch easier without tearing compared to the originals. Heating the boot up wether in hot water or heat gun/hair dryer +1. Bob
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Hello - I am having trouble trying to install a replacement shifter boot on my 65 convertible. It has the original 4 speed with the reverse lock out levers on the shifter handle and the hole in new boot is not big enough to stretch over the levers. Is there some trick to getting this thing installed correctly? I have a NOS boot and I am worried about stretching it too much as it may rip and it was hard enough finding the NOS one the first time around. Any help and guidance is greatly appreciated.
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You either try your luck stretching it over or send it off to someone like Bill Heeley to have him take the cable out so the T can be removed. Then slide the boot on and re-attach the cable.
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Put the boot out in the sun, preferably on a very warm (75-80F) day for an hour or two. It "may" have enough elasticity to make it over the "T" bar. Careful, it will be hot.
Jim
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Of course, you can only put the boot over one side of the t-handle at a time. I typically use a big screwdriver to help deform the rubber boot. I've never torn a boot.
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Thanks for the insight I really appreciate the help. I feel better about stretching the boot and using a screwdriver if you haven't torn one doing it that way. I appreciate the advice!
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The shifter is a factory stick with the T handle for reverse lockout and I cant seem to figure out how to disassemble it ( T handle ) to replace the boot without damaging it.
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Stretch the boot over the T. It will go.
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It just didn't seem like that would work with out tearing but I will try thanks.
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Replace the boot on a warm day, or at least get it soft in very warm water, like 110-120F.
Jim
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Replace the boot on a warm day, or at least get it soft in very warm water, like 110-120F.
Jim
+1.
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Replace the boot on a warm day, or at least get it soft in very warm water, like 110-120F.
Jim
+1 Hard to believe, but it really will work. I have been successful as well using this method.
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I trust that this will work I guess that I wasn't expecting that disassembly of the handle would be so much avoided.
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+1 to hot water!! Let it soak until it is very pliable. Wear some gloves in case it's too hot but it really softens the rubber. I used a coat hanger to help pull it over the T and an extra set of hands doesnt hurt too.
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The hot water worked great.
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The shop manual makes it look like the reverse lockout "tee" is easily removable. I don't see how to do it - the shifter is in need of a rebuild and I need to install a new shift boot. The rebuild part looks simple enough but the boot has me worried. What do I do?
Thanks in advance.......
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Going to merge your request with an earlier thread than describes other members methods and suggestions since it appears that the installing the boot is your focus
They were located over in the general Interior section
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I agree on the heat. Get it uncomfortable to handle and wear latex gloves.
I also found that if you pull up on the handle and then lock the bottom lock catch in place you can then move the latch pull-up lever over quite a bit. By off-centering the pull-up lever to the side it's easier to stretch the boot as it has to stretch less.
I also used the half circle end of brake pliers to help get the boot over the lever. Get the lever off-center, lube up the brake handle at the end, stick it into the boot, catch the pull-up lever in the half circle and simply lever the boot over. The roundness of the pliers keeps the boot from being nicked on the inside which is often why the break.
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So I did a search and found a description on the VMF of lubing the boot really well and stretching it over the BOTTOM of the shift lever. It was on there in seconds. Didn't use heat. Easy, didn't rip either. I used petroleum jelly, the cheap kind from Wal Mart. I wore rubber gloves so I didn't get greasy.
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Good tip. Stretching it over the T is nerve wracking.