Shifter boot questions

[FordPrefect]

I got my 77 Spider a few months ago, and am in the process of fixing the smaller gremlins; among them, replacing the wood panel where the (manual) gear shifter resides. Now I'm left with a leather/vinyl boot that won't stay put.

Is there a ring or something that keeps the boot attached to the wood panel? If so, I haven't got one. Anybody have a good replacement solution I can rig up, or other ideas? Also, should my boot go on top of the chrome shifter extension, or get smooshed underneath? The hole on top of the boot is pretty small, so I'll have to remove the extension to get it under, and I'm not sure if that's an adventure I want to embark on if avoidable.

Any ideas are welcome, and hello! from Arkansas.

[mdrburchette]

There should be an aluminum ring that keeps the boot from coming up. You might be able to find one if you list it in the "Parts Wanted" section.

[manoa matt]

This is what you are looking for: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimes_fiat/2882709627/

Those retaining rings will be hard to come by, and finding one in good condition thats not about to break from metal fatigure will be even harder. The one in the picture is about to break at three points from metal fatigue. I wouldn't feel comfortable sending it to anyone. One cheap alternative would be to use the black metal binder clips (think office supplies)with the removable arms. A 12 count box of 3/4" ones should do the job.

Its personal preference as to weather the chrome goes over or under the shift boot. I've seen both setups even in factory manuals and publications. I think it looks cleaner if the chrome shifter is installed first then the shifter boot is lowered over it. Try not to remove and install the wood surround piece too many times in and out of the console. The metal backing plate gets distorted and the edges of the wood/plastic laminate will chip. I usually install the chrome shifter then lower the entire center console with the shift boot in place over the chrome shift lever.

[FordPrefect]

Thanks for the quick replies. Those clips are a good idea, and I've got a big hose clamp I'll try to work in there.

[mbouse]

i disagree with manoa matt. vick says they gottem in stock

boot retaining ring # 50-7357 $19.50

http://www.vickauto.com

i didnot bother to check any other suppliers inventory

[FordPrefect]

The binder clips are barely 2 bucks, and work well enough for now, but thanks for the heads up on vicks. I'll keep that in mind if/when my setup fails.