Stiff shift boot -

Durt · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 09:21 AM

I realize this has been posted at least once already - so I apologize for the redundancy (yes, I checked the archives,) but it's still a VERY irritating - and possibly dangerous problem for me. Had my SPF for close to 14 years & have never had this issue before. Got the boot from Finish Line about two years ago & it still pops me out of 1st, 3rd & 5th. I've boiled it, put it in a bag with silicone spray, left it in 1st at all times at rest & it's as stiff as the day I bought it. Yes - the hole in the transmission tunnel is centered.
Is the culprit possibly the linkage on the Tremec 5 speed getting tired? Do they get loose over the years? They certainly aren't adjustable to my knowledge.
I checked with Cobra Restorers in Georgia at Lynn Park's recommendation for a new boot - but it looks suspiciously like the one I'm running now. I know a lot of folks recommend a leather boot - but I simply don't want to go there. I'm going to try to run the car without a boot & see if it still pops out - but absent that - does anyone have a line on a boot not made of aircraft tire rubber?

Thanks -

FIA-ERA · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 10:22 AM

Well from what I've gathered there are only two guy's out there that make these or supply them. I had originally gotten mine from Finishline and it didn't even make it over the t handle before it split. WAY TOO stiff. I ended up finding a guy on ebay that sells them. After he and I talked he told me the story of the boots come from either him or Finishline's guy. He also sells to Cobra Restorers so there's should be right. The new one is MUCH more flexible but still is a little tight. Mine would pop out of third from time to time. Now what I do is when I'm done driving I park it in third (in my garage) and that has seem to help loosen it up some. Nothing against Finishline's stuff, it's just a bad repop. The original boots came off a Falcon so any of those guy's should be able to help as well. If it's a little more expensive, it's the better one. Just call before you buy! Hope this helps, Matt

Durt · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 10:51 AM

Thanks a lot Matt. Cobra Restorer's is about $35, so I didn't want to just throw money at another rock-hard boot. The Falcon info is very interesting.

Thanks - Gary

FIA-ERA · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 11:44 AM

Yep, I went through the same stuff. I did a lot of looking around and still the best stuff is the oem Ford boots. You can still find some here and there on ebay. The original boot has a slice of the mounting surface cut off (sometimes)? Check these out :350341507968 and this one :350019197029 I can't remember if this was the guy I got it from but he has a lot of nice stuff all the time. Regards, Matt

FIA-ERA · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 11:48 AM

Or just type Galaxie Boot on ebay and you'll have more to choose from!! Hope it helps, Matt

Durt · #6 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 01:13 PM

Talked to some very nice folks at Macs Antique Auto Parts. They have the Falcon boot in stock & I ordered it. Keeping fingers crossed.

Got the Bug · #7 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 04:19 PM

Durt,

How about trying a stock replacement boot for the Superformance from Hillbank in Irvine?

http://www.shelbyshop.net/product_in...ucts_id=156034

Durt · #8 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 04:53 PM

Not a big Lance fan.

But I appreciate all suggestions.

Got the Bug · #9 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durt

Not a big Lance fan.

But I appreciate all suggestions.

Got it. You could buy it from the Olthoff's instead.

Durt · #10 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 05:15 PM

True dat. If the one I ordered is also made of cast iron - I will give those folks a shout.

Thank you, sir!