Gear shifter leather boot and ring

[IndyFiat]

So has anyone replaced the aluminum ring that keeps the leather (vinyl) boot in place in the console area. I was changing out the shifter handle (extension sleeve) and the boot came out of the aluminum ring. Have been trying to reattach ring to the boot, but I think I have a better chance of winning Powerball than ever figuring this out. Does anyone know where I can purchase a new ring. Just got my new shifter handle today and want to reassemble the shifter area of the console. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[TX82FIAT]

Almost all the suppliers have them have the shift boot retaining ring. Try Auto Ricambi. I think the part itself is pricy no matter where you purchase it but AR tends to be the low price. You may want to see if you can fabricate something since it is just a thin piece of aluminum that binds the vinyl to the wood insert.

[IndyFiat]

You're exactly right. Available at AR and it's rather pricey too. Thinking of going the velcro route to secure the boot to the wood panel. Found this idea from another post. Cheap and sounds like it may do the job.

Thanks for your reply.

[TX82FIAT]

As long as you have enough slack in the shift boot and you are confident the velcro will stick to the underside of the wood as well as the vynal or leather, that sounds like a great idea. Another thought cold be the extra large hose clamsp like the ones used for air filter. Reverse the clamp so the tightening bolt is on the inside and secure it to the circumferance of the wood inset. With a dremel you could cut the clamp in a few select places in order to wrap/bend it around the wood insert.

I had thought about soing this but I was able to salvage the old clamp and re-secure it with a new drill hole and a penny nail bent in a U shape with the ends flared out to secure it.

[4uall]

when I did mine I took off the plate, then simply loosened the original ring and assembled the new and tightened. then put back the plate. AR is the best. I would not comprimise here as there is heat, noise, fumes etc that could enter the cabin





I would also recommend this

[IndyFiat]

So I think I finally got this job done and out of the way. Keeping my fingers crossed that the retainer ring stays in place.

[seabeelt]

The key to keeping it in place is to put a new pop rivet through the slot and into the hole shown at the back of Jay's first photo. Takes a little work and may require a extra set of hands, but do able
R/

[azruss]

I should have a few rings, but cant find any. I am thinking of buying some vinyl u-channel from my local upholstery shop and using it. If cut precisely, it should hold in place just fine.

[IndyFiat]

I used a screw to secure the ring. Had to punch a hole in the ring, but it appears to have worked.

[basarabam]

When I made my aluminum inserts I just cut another panel for right under the shifter and sandwiched the boot between. Works good. Just need to get a new leather boot now, mine is pretty worn.

[blusmith]

I had the same trouble :- the aluminium ring fell to bits. I staple- gunned the leather to the underside of wood trim and used a stiff stainless steel wire bent into a circle inserted in side the boot above the wooden trim to mainatian a snug tidy fit . Chris