Early Shift Boots

[Mike]

Guys, I split this thread into a new one. The new thread is called "Early Shift Boots" and I put it in the Interior forum. The original thread remains the same, but, is now separate.

[Arne]

Thanks, Mike! Much better this way!

Back on topic, It looks to me as though the grommet in question might not have been offered separately. At least, there's no sign of it on the parts CD either with the outer boot, nor with the shift lever. So I'm assuming it either came with the outer boot, or the parts list was changed after the early outer boot was superseded.

I can't be the only one with a car who still has this grommet, anyone else have one, maybe one that's not in the car right now?

[hls30.com]

... I have a NOS early shift boot that will be going on my car, but have recently been looking for a source for this grommet, myself. My thought was to have this boot reproduced before I install it, if there appeared to be any sort of demand. ...

Dan

Dan,

I resemble the way you think!

Will

[AZ-240z]

Thanks, Mike! Much better this way!

I can't be the only one with a car who still has this grommet, anyone else have one, maybe one that's not in the car right now?

Arne,

I have my boot and have been attempting to take physical measurements of the grommet as accurately as possible without removing it from the boot and possibly damaging the it. It appears to just slip into a hole in the material but I'm going to be safe, for now, with a brand new boot. If I can make a drawing of the grommet and figure out how to scan it into the computer, (not easy for the illiterate computer guy), I'll post what I have. The quest for the Grommet continues.

Dan

[geezer]

I believe I have a grommet stored away still attached to the boot. A new boot is one thing I have on my need list because of the poor condition of the original. And I never sell, give away, or toss anything until the restoration is done. I'll look for it.

[geezer]

Sorry guys. I came up empty here. Probably stored in another garage I have across town. All the parts I plan to use are here.

[Marty Rogan]

I am glad someone brought this up. I was going do a post about early shift boots, but just did not get around to it.

So far, I believe I have actually seen three distinct versions of the shift boot. The first came out of my 6/70 Z, which seems to just have the material at the top just folded over and sewn.

The second is still in my 1/71 Z and is the type being described with the grommet at the top.

Lastly, is the one that is commonly available with the laces.

If anyone finds a source for the early ones, I would buy two.

Marty

[240 in OZ]

Hi Guys

Felt it best to chime in on this thread. A few years ago I also discovered the no-laces boot as used on the early cars. I have a friend here in Australia whom had one of these, albeit deteriated. He allowed me to borrow it and also unpick it completely as it is otherwise trash.

I took it to a local auto upholestery specialist and had a replica made. I would have to say that IMO it is a very close match to the original, right down to the grain pattern of the vinyl and also the trim ring around the top which sits around the metal shift lever.

If there is interest shown I am more than willing to show some photographs of this. While it wasnt cheap I am also willing to look into having more made. I have two at this time and the first ones wernt cheap as the pattern had to be made.

Let me know, waiting to hear.

Regards

Joseph

[geezer]

Hi - Could you define "cheep"? It might bring the price down considerably if you had a substantial number of orders. Shipping in bulk to various central locations around the world would help also. A good idea would be to take advance orders and then get a price from the upholsterer for that many pieces. Then a deposit from interested partys. If you get enough completed orders with a sustantial deposit, you can then give the go ahead to the upholsterer. You can put me down for an advance order, if you decide to do it. I feel there is a marketable demand. If you don't do it somebody else will.

[JimmyZ]

This is out of my 2/71 Z. It came with the 4 speed. Is this the grommet? Prob not but worth a try.

[LBO730]

I do some custom leather/vinyl upholstery. If anyone is willing to send me an intact old style boot, I will be more than happy to try to reproduce it. It shouldn't be too difficult if I have a decent pattern to go by. If I can't reproduce it satisfactorily, I'll send your boot back to you. Will (hls30) has seen a couple of items I have done. I also have covered a sunvisor for Tomohawk. Might be better than trying to get them from Australia. I'm in Bristol, VA. It would be good if someone could post a couple of close-up pics of the grommet that is needed as well. Oh, by the way, I am a hard core Z fan too I have a full blown 75 280 custom restoration in progress!

Let me know!

[webdawg1]

Saw a leather shift boot on eBay that might be of some interest to all. Ebay item #220070145713. Looks pretty good from what I can see of it...

webdawg1