Shifter boot

[bugedd]

I'm looking at changing the big metal shifter housing on my bugeye to a more regular boot, and was wondering if anyone has done this and what they have used. I was thinking maybe some MG parts such as the boot retainer and vinyl boot may work, but I don't know the dimensions of the retainer. Any input?

 

[smaceng]

this is the boot from a MGB, not sure of the year. I used it as the BE boot would not work with the Datsun 5 speed.
Cheers,
Scott in CA

 

[bugedd]

I'm looking at getting rid of the big metal housing as well and just using a gaiter with a more modern looking shift boot

 

[JOeyKnapp]

Wouldn't that just be a matter of making the trim piece that screws down and having a upholsterer sew up a boot? With the right bit, aluminum routers pretty easily, you could make a wood template and then router a ring fairly easily.. (just thinking from the tools I have at my disposal how I would do it..)

And for that matter, it could be wood and upholstered too possibly...

 

[bugedd]

I could make it, but its always worth asking if there is an easier solution already out there. I was thinking a polished gaiter would looks sweet, with a vinyl boot. Reason I am thinking of doing this is I just finished a Rivergate conversion, and the shift lever has a bit more range of motion and barely clears the hole in the "cup". And I think it would look cool

 

[JOeyKnapp]

Hmm.. I have the same swap sitting in the garage for when my metal work is finished... I guess I might be looking at doing the same thing, then!

 

[smaceng]

Take a look at the 68-80 all synchro MGB transmission as shown in the Moss cat. That is the boot that I used, but it also looks like it has a chrome ring or something to hold it down.
The photo shows the mod I had to make to the housing. since I can't weld yet (don't have a welder) I just opened up the opening toward the front. What needs to be done is to weld up the area toward the back, and then the MGB boot will great, and the stock BE boot may fit too.
Scott in CA

 

[nomad]

I cut an inch out of the height of the stock shifter housing and rewelded. The stock boot then works well with the 5 speed shifter. That assumes the shift lever has been cut and rewelded to the side so that the shift lever is centered in the housing.

Kurt.

 

[Gerard]

Wouldn't that just be a matter of making the trim piece that screws down and having a upholsterer sew up a boot? With the right bit, aluminum routers pretty easily, you could make a wood template and then router a ring fairly easily.. (just thinking from the tools I have at my disposal how I would do it..)

And for that matter, it could be wood and upholstered too possibly...

Exact aluminum replica of original post-72 Midget gaiter ring.

You mean like this?

The gaiters are still available new, but the steel rings are not.

Also seen here:

5 speed page

 

[nomad]

Gerard, what does your 5sp transmission mount look like? I don't see it in the 5 speed page.


Kurt.

 

[bugedd]

Yes Gerard, like that. Do they fit okay on the early cars? Or do you have the dimensions of it so I can compare?
And how much for one?

 

[Whitephrog]

You have a PM.

 

[bugedd]

The pm didn't post for some reason, I don't have it.

 

[Billm]

Question-
I just picked up a '73 Midget parts car and the shifter cover can is rubber- is that correct?
BillM

 

[Whitephrog]

I belive that I have the ring, rubber boot and vinyl/leather cover. I'll confirm tomorrow. Photos if you are interested.

 

[bugedd]

sure, let me know what you might want for it. I appreciate it!

 

[Gerard]

Yes Gerard, like that. Do they fit okay on the early cars? Or do you have the dimensions of it so I can compare?
And how much for one?

They fit identically. I don't currently have any and don't have plans continue making them (unless there is more demand at some point).

Bill, the rubber boot is a weather seal that belongs under the gaiter on post '72 cars.

 

[Gerard]

Gerard, what does your 5sp transmission mount look like? I don't see it in the 5 speed page.


Kurt.

Basically like this one. The latest version is slightly different as I'm always looking for improvements.

 

[nomad]

Thanks Gerard, improvements are good!

Kurt.