CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: dutch on August 31, 2012, 02:59:38 AM
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I presently have a rubber shifter boot on my '68 Z/28 which always seemed kinda small or tight for the throws of the shifter handle. I now notice it is getting ripped where the handle protrudes through, from the pressure of the handle and appears it isn't the correct design for the job.
I have noticed a few other non-console Z/28's like mine pictured lately that seem to have boots which appear taller with at least one or more folds - allowing I assume, more back and forth movement, without tearing like mine has.
Can anyone recommend where I can one that best mimics an original in appearance yet maintains a reasonable price? The one I have was purchased many years back from a noted supplier (which I can't recall now) and was supposed to be "OEM replacement style" but obviously isn't proper.
Thanks for any help...
Randy
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"appear taller with at least one or more folds"..
What I meant to say was "with at least one or more folds more than mine"...
Randy
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I've asked that one quite a few times before and not gotten a real definitive answer. I got one from HBC and it works fine. I just don't know how accurate it is to the original.
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Here are some photos of an original boot, but it has been torn on top. This is the style of boot you should be looking for. I do not have any experience buying reproduction boots. I've just purchased NOS GM boots in the past.
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Here are two more photos of an original GM shift boot, the style which is original for your '68 Z/28.
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Here are some photos of an NOS GM shift boot that came out of an original box with a 1989 date on it.
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Here are a few more shots of my NOS shift boot.
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Thanks for the pictures Jon - they are worth a thousand words...
What I have now is close in appearance but as mentioned appears to be shorter in height than those you show and that probably is the main reason for the rip it has now developed where the shifter rod goes through the grommet at the top.
Yours and the GM versions pictured appear to be the type that would solve much of my problem if shorter transplates into more stress where the handle and boot meet - just have to figure out where to find something reasonably cheaper than trying to chase down NOS stuff.
I assume the plate shown in the photos is the correct GM one for such an application as well? It seems to be exactly what mine looks like and from the originality of the rest of the car expect that it would be original.
Thanks again - Randy
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Jon. Is this the boot for a console car?...Joe
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Randy, I'm glad those photos were helpful to you. Can you post a photo of your boot so I can better understand what you have? The plate seen with the boot in my first batch of photos is the correct one for your application.
Joe, the boot that I pictured is not for use with the D55 center console.
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Yours and the GM versions pictured appear to be the type that would solve much of my problem if shorter transplates into more stress where the handle and boot meet - just have to figure out where to find something reasonably cheaper than trying to chase down NOS stuff.
Randy,
Have you checked out the one HBC sells?
http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/store/product/16610/Camaro-Shifter-boot-no-console-67-68/
Paul
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Jon: I am not near the car for a couple of days but I will try and see how they compare and try and get a picture when I am - thanks.
Paul: The one you posted a link to certainly does look very similar to the ones that Jon posted pictures of - that may be where I have to go for my next one - Thanks also..
Randy
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Randy, there is a shift boot in this ebay auction (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-1968-CAMARO-Z-28-SHIFT-BOOT-WITHOUT-CONSOLE-SOFF-SEAL-/230827850854?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35be697c66&vxp=mtr#ht_1516wt_170) that is made by SoffSeal. It looks pretty much like it might be the same as that offered by Heartbeat City and it is a couple of bucks cheaper. I don't know for a fact whether it is the same as Heartbeat's. You'll have to do your own research. The picture in the ad makes it appear as though it is quite similar to an original GM boot but you won't know for certain until you get it in your hands and compare it to my photos.
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Randy, there are some ebay shift boot auctions by lonestarcarparts (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-1969-Camaro-Manual-Transmission-Shift-Boot-3-4SP-/130758798151?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACamaro%7CYear%3A1967&hash=item1e71d4eb47&vxp=mtr#ht_1890wt_907) and gmpartsfinder (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-1969-Camaro-Manual-Transmission-Shift-Boot-3-4SP-/130758798151?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACamaro%7CYear%3A1967&hash=item1e71d4eb47&vxp=mtr#ht_1890wt_907) and they are selling for several dollars less than the ones above but they don't look as accurate, judging by the pictures provided.
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Thanks again Jon for all the pictures and trouble you have taken - Ebay etc... to assist me!
I looked at mine last evening when I was near the car and it does look a lot smaller and shorter than the one(s) you pictured and what HBC shows is available on their site.
I didn't have access to a camera at the time, but I am sure the one(s) you pictured as well as the HBC version (which appear to be very, if not perfectly similar) are at least 1 fold of rubber taller than what my presently ripped one is and to my way of thinking that would make that type a lot more flexible and less likely to tear again, so for the sake of a couple of $$'s I just ordered one from HBC as I don't have an Ebay or Paypal account.
Thanks to you and Paul as well for the time and assistance - hopefully it will cure my problem...
Even if its not a perfect match for the real thing, at least it will be tons better than what I presently have and hopefully good for a few more years - it certainly will improve the interior appearance as the ripped boot kinda stood out!
Much appreciated - Randy
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I'm glad to be of help, Randy. I hope that boot from HBC works out well for you.
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Here are a few more shots of my NOS shift boot.
Jon - probably a stupid question, but in one of your pictures of your new and NOS boot taken from directly above, it appears as though the base of the rubber boot has a taper that makes it wider at one end than the other..
I assume that it is positioned so that it faces with the wider end towards the front of the transmission tunnel and the narrower end towards the rear and seats?
It appears as though it and the rest of the mounting hardware could be attached either way and now that I look at it, I believe that I may have in haste to 'be on the road' have had mine reversed with the narrower dimension facing towards the front of the car.
This may have in some small degree contributed to my old boot ripping, although it is also smaller overall than the one I now have in hand from HBC (finally after 4 weeks and almost $25 over the list price - you gotta love shipping and customs to Northern Canada - eh!?). I'm ready to install the new one and just want to make sure I get it correct this time..
I can't seem to find a picture of the correct orientation although it would be hard to in fact see considering the minor differences in the dimensions in any interior picture..
Thanks - Randy
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That original one Jon showed looks like the repro I got. I just have to try and remember where I got it.
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Randy, you are correct in thinking that the wider part goes toward the front. The 4 screw holes in the boot should line up with the holes in the floor pan.
-Jon
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That one does look the same except the seam on top and it looks like the original slot for the shifter was offset a little.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/68zproject/intake002-1.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/68zproject/intake003-1.jpg)
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I was recently shown an ebay auction for a reproduction shift boot for 1967-1968 Camaros with the D55 console. Here's the link...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/264414590699?ul_noapp=true
The correct boot has not been available for decades. The ebay ad says it is assembly line correct so I purchased one from the auction to compare it to an NOS one that I acquired a few years ago, GM part number 3893873. The ebay seller is Midnight Oil Musclecar Parts and it turns out this is owned and operated by Kelley Timms who used to be Rick's main guy at Rick's First Generation Camaro Parts before Rick sold it to Eckler's.
Below are some comparison photos, the NOS GM boot on the left and the reproduction on the right. The thickness seems to be close if not the same as the original. I think they did a pretty good job making the new one. I think it will hold up a lot better than the incorrect item that has been being sold.
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Slightly torn take off orig. It is marked LEON in a oval & the road or floor pan side gets a bit of body color transfer to the rubber.
Nice tip on a quality repop for once.
JIM
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Just received mine in the mail. I have to say I'm really happy. Finally, a reproduction part that's actually CORRECT!! No, it doesn't have "LEON" on it, but still looks better than those "replacements" that don't last very long. And besides, once you install the retainer, you can't see the LEON anyway!
Jim, can you post a close up picture of the "LEON"? I think I see it at the bottom right in Jon's pictures above, but it's really light.
Ed
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When I see 'Leon' I can't help think of the movie Dog Day Afternoon. Leon was the transgender person who was Sonny's (Al Pacino) lover.
Mike
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Uncle Leon (Seinfeld) ;)
Glad to hear that a repop item is Good !!
JIM
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Thanks Jim. A quick Google and Yahoo search didn't reveal anything regarding a Leon manufacturing company, but it may take more digging.
Ed
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I think it was Uncle "Leo" not Leon on Seinfeld... Danny
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Danny, You are so right, dang my memory,,,,,,,,,,,,, :o
Twisted iconic comedy for its time.
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The shifter opening looks a little larger on the repro, so that may help relieve some stress on the rubber that causes cracking.