C2 shifter boot

[John P.]

Trying to replace a torn boot on my 65 convertible. Just wondering what is the best way? AIM doesn't show details.

Is it intended to be slipped over the shifter knob?

[Tom B.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

No unscrew the shifter knob and pull out the reverse T handle then slip the boot on and reverse assemble the parts.

[John P.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

Was wondering about that. The knob will not budge. Any ideas on loosening it without scarring it up?

[John P.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

Is there a lock nut under the ball?

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

No nut typically John. Try one of those rubbery jar openers.

But you'll have to remove the shifter console. There are(iirc) 11 screws holding the boot reinforcement into the underneath nut plate. Hope not too rusty.

Rich

edit... found some photos...

P8100031.jpgP8100006.jpgP8100007.jpgP8100011.jpgP8100010.jpgP8100029.jpgP8100030.jpgP8100036.jpg

[John P.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

Thanks Richard.

My problem now is that I cannot remove the ball-it is marred from my efforts.

I cannot tell from the AIM how to most easily remove the entire shifter from below.


I am going to try a heat gun but have this feeling that the whole shifter will need to go to a machine shop

Thank for any further suggestions

[Gary J.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

If you are planning on having the car judged you need to source an NOS one. The repros are different.

[Gary B.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

Gary,

For the shifter? Or the ball? What exactly is different for a repro from the GM original?

Gary

[Gary J.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

The rubber boot is thicker than the original. Also there is a configuration difference where shifter comes through the hole. The ring is different.

[Gary B.]

[Gary J.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

Gary,
I don’t know anything about the shifter ball. What I am referencing to is the rubber shifter boot. I do agree with you as once the shifter ball is mounted it would be hard to determine the weight of the original and the repro.

[John P.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

Any suggestions on removing the ball?

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

I have a cylindrical, plastic housing for a filter on my pump that I use to irrigate from my lake - about 1-1/2" around that I must clean weekly; I swear that housing arc-welds istelf at the threads. I use something like this to wring it loose - don't know if Harbor Freight would have one small enough. Clean the ball thoroughly with alcohol and let dry before attempting:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234159482209?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1BofLvLRUSNS23pHFvVCqXQ69&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=234159482209&targetid=4580702890871448&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=418640321&mkgroupid=1233652283797640&rlsatarget=pla-4580702890871448&abcId=9300602&merchantid=51291

[Mark F.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

The tool Frank shows looks nice (I might have to get one )

Also, I have seen plumbers use an old leather belt wrapped around chromed piping so it won't get marred - and then carefully use a pipe wrench to tighten or loosen.

I know it sounds horrific, but it worked the times I've seen it done...

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 shifter boot

Also, I have never removed a T handle to install a boot on a C1 or C2; I stretch the hole over one arm of the T CAREFULLY and then pull it in the other direction over the second arm, never had a new boot tear doing so. I usually douse the boot with silicone spray first.
Not saying anybody should do this unless they want to risk damabe, but I have at least 4 times without issue.