LeatherShiftBootInstallation

These pages are devoted to the 1991 3000GT VR4
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It seems like there have been a rash of requests for information about the shift boot replacement
on our cars. The original stock boot supplied by Mitsubishi would be classified as Glove Leather
and is extremely thin leather on top of a fabric base. Both time and weather affect these in that
the glove leather coating will dry out and crack and start to flake off the fabric base.
I have found and installed a Genuine Leather Shift boot on mine supplied by JC Whitney Inc.
of Chicago, Illinios. JC Whitney has been around for many many years. Since 1915 to be exact
Originally called Warshawski's it went through a trasnformation back in the 70's when I
would receive catalogs from both, except they were actually one in the same. The only
difference is the prices in the JC Whitney Catalog were cheaper. A family fued on prices
is what caused this I believe. Better prices won out and Whitney was born, Warshawski's
died, but yet lived on. Their web site is located at http://www.jcwhitney.com
They had their story some months back but have since changed their site. I have been
ordering and doing business with them in person at their store since the late 60's up
until 1990 when I  moved to Knoxville, TN from the South Chicago suburbs and have been
happy with most everything I have ordered from them. They also have a lot of goodies
that you won't find anywhere else. I assure you if you order their catalog, you will drool
over all the neat little things they have in there.
 

Ok, on to the actual boot replacement. Sorry I didn't take photos of the complete process.
I actually started taking photos after removing the old one and stretching the new boot
over the rectangular frame and then turning it inside out and sliding it over the shaft and
placing a ty - rap on the shaft clamping the boot neck down on the shaft. Here is the first
photo. Taking the old one off is a snap. Unscrew the Shift Knob counterclockwise, pop the
bottom square frame out of the socket turn it inside out and cut the retainer that fits
around the plastic sleeve around the shaft and it's off. Remove the old boot from the frame.
On to installing the new one,,,  Stretch the new boot over the frame.  You do have to cut little
slits in the boot for the anchor tabs on the rectangular frame that hold it in the console.
That is the only cutting I did on the boot. The excess on the neck of the boot will be hidden
inside, so don't worry about it showing. All fits are pretty snug, but the leather will stretch
enough to fit. Upon first getting the boot you might not think so, but have no fear.
Once the boot is fit to the frame turn it inside out and slide it down on the shaft as
shown below. Whether you opt to reuse the plastic sleeve is up to you,
but it isn't absolutely necessary. Place a new tie wrap on the shaft to hold the boot
in place.

The only thing left to do when you are this far is to slide the boot down over the shaft and
press the rectangular frame in its place. Nothing to it but to do it.

Here are some comparison photos of the JC Whitney next to the stock boot. There is no
question as to which is superior with leather / cloth VS 100% leather throughout,
let alone the huge, and I mean huge savings

Here is the outside view. Notice the peeling on the original off of the cloth backing
Like I said, it looks like is is way smaller than the original. Don't let it fool you
My first reaction was,, "Hmmm kind of cheap wrapped up in a plastic bag"
This was until I really compared them and had it installed

Here is the inside view. Note the cloth inside the expensive original. (Left)
Note the real leather throughout the cheap (Inexpensive) one from JC Whitney

Ok, now the unveiling of the completed project that cost me about $13.
I chose the black because it is least noticable and blends right in with the knob.
Also note the colors above of the original next to the new one.

Ordering Information
Price: Cheap,, less than $20

J C Whitney  Cat.#625R
Page#118
 Leather Shift Boot part #'s
12DL5540W-   Black
12DL5557P- Tan
12DL6053R- Navy Blue
    88DL7584A-  White
12DL5541U-   Light Gray
         12DL5559W-  Burgundy
88DL7583T-    Red

Phone#   1-312-431-6102

Enjoy !!

Web Site: http://www.jcwhitney.com

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Photos and text Copyright John C. Adams  Use prohibited without authorization.
For questions send e-mail.   Last Update 08/07/00