Automatic Shift boot and new shift handle

**stew215** · 11-03-2010, 06:32 PM

Well I seen a post online somewhere on how to do a shift boot for an automatic f-body. I ran to the junk yard and spent only $2 on parts!!!!! I pulled the shift boot and handle from what I believe was a 2000 Grand Am. I forgot to take some before pics but this is what it looks like now.... Let me know what you guys think

**vikingramair** · 11-06-2010, 11:14 PM

Not bad at all.

**666ws6** · 11-08-2010, 05:43 PM

Looks good. I did something similar, and also added a boot to the ebrake handle. I hated the look of that handle.

**robcas47** · 11-08-2010, 05:59 PM

Looks better, would like to see pics of the ebrake boot. I did this with my Z28 a long time ago but used the round shift knob from a 90's Grand Am. Sort of looked like a manual shifter but still like the look of it.

**stew215** · 11-09-2010, 03:23 PM

Thanks guys. I have off work the next two days so maybe I will try the ebrake handle... I have not looked at the ebrake handle before... how hard is it to take off?

**pewter Z28** · 04-12-2011, 07:44 AM

just got back from salvage yard got boot and handle but now i cant find thread on what i need to remove any help.

**pewter Z28** · 04-12-2011, 11:54 AM

so that was easy and looks great thanks for the idea

**JayTA98** · 04-12-2011, 03:20 PM

nice work there is a sticky on how to do the shift boot and I did a write up on how I put an E brake boot.

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=153071

http://ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=152859&page=2

**pewter Z28** · 04-12-2011, 04:00 PM

dam i knew that i was forgetting something when i was there back next weekend for ebrake

**fbodyNATION** · 04-13-2011, 04:07 AM

I want to do the shift boot mod also,but I will be getting mine from a 97-03 Grand Prix along with the e-brake,I think our cars should have came from the factory with them,but it aint no biggie I love doing mods,it makes me appreciate the car a little more & oh yeah thank God for pull a part no one can beat their prices LoL!

**damianj03** · 04-14-2011, 06:37 PM

is there a way that the stem could be shortend so the shifter dosnt stick up so high?

**JayTA98** · 04-14-2011, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by damianj03

is there a way that the stem could be shortend so the shifter dosnt stick up so high?

You want to keep the stock T handle(A4) /knob?

**PontiacFan** · 04-15-2011, 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by damianj03

is there a way that the stem could be shortend so the shifter dosnt stick up so high?

Yes, "hijack"
You can use a die-grinder to remove about an inch of material. Can't safely go any more than that tho.
There's a thread on LS1Tech about this in more detail

I have one already cut & ready to swap if you're interested.
Cost ya $30 plus actual shipping.

They are 1" shorter.
Might not be pretty in the photo, btu they are 100% functional.
Sold these on LS1Tech before & if you want a reference, I can get one for ya.
Pretty straightforward on the swap. If you can change your own oil, you can disassemble your console & swap shifters.
Just did mine also, but am waiting for return delivery on my re-wrapped shift knob before I put the booted console cover back on.

**StuntmanMike** · 04-15-2011, 06:17 PM

Nice!! I have GOT to do this soon!

It looks so much more finished that way compared to the stock setup.

**damianj03** · 04-18-2011, 05:29 PM

QUOTE=PontiacFan;2623469]Yes, "hijack"
You can use a die-grinder to remove about an inch of material. Can't safely go any more than that tho.
There's a thread on LS1Tech about this in more detail

I have one already cut & ready to swap if you're interested.
Cost ya $30 plus actual shipping.

They are 1" shorter.
Might not be pretty in the photo, btu they are 100% functional.
Sold these on LS1Tech before & if you want a reference, I can get one for ya.
Pretty straightforward on the swap. If you can change your own oil, you can disassemble your console & swap shifters.
Just did mine also, but am waiting for return delivery on my re-wrapped shift knob before I put the booted console cover back on.[/B]post some pics of when its installed and if i like it i will def hit you up for one.

**PontiacFan** · 04-19-2011, 05:43 AM

Really surprising to see the color definition being so different in these photos, but it didn't look that way to my eyes in real life, ...
This is the Grand Prix 'snakehead' style knob. I have one coming that's been recovered in ebony leather, with the suspension switch which I will use for my linelock.
Should have that installed within a week or two, but won't look much different.

Anyway, here's a couple installed shots.

Compare the position height to Stewie's photos in the first post, & you can see the difference, even tho this knob is larger/taller from the stem connection.

**robcas47** · 04-19-2011, 12:36 PM

[QUOTE=PontiacFan;2626431]Really surprising to see the color definition being so different in these photos, but it didn't look that way to my eyes in real life, ...
This is the Grand Prix 'snakehead' style knob.QUOTE]

I had the same one on my A4 Z28, looks great IMO and really looks stock too. I've got the same thing going on with the boots I picked up as far as the color definition goes. Here's a pic of the Hurst handle with adapter kit. I still need to adjust the boot a little better so it doesn't flare out so much on the right side, easy fix with a No.1 flat tip, and I know my interior needs cleaning, gonna get to that in a lil while.

**fbodyNATION** · 04-20-2011, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by stew215

Well I seen a post online somewhere on how to do a shift boot for an automatic f-body. I ran to the junk yard and spent only $2 on parts!!!!! I pulled the shift boot and handle from what I believe was a 2000 Grand Am. I forgot to take some before pics but this is what it looks like now.... Let me know what you guys think

looks good,but what do i use to get the shift knob off?

**robcas47** · 04-20-2011, 08:11 PM

A good set of needlenose pliers will do, or even a No. 1 flat tip will pry it out of there. Once you've got it sticking out enough to where you can grab it with your fingers it'll come out pretty easily.

**PontiacFan** · 04-21-2011, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by fbodyNATION

looks good,but what do i use to get the shift knob off?

Originally Posted by robcas47

A good set of needlenose pliers will do, or even a No. 1 flat tip will pry it out of there. Once you've got it sticking out enough to where you can grab it with your fingers it'll come out pretty easily.

"it"
Might be wise to tell him that there's a small retainer u-clip in the front of the shift knob. Bring the shifter back into 1st gear, & look at the front of the knob to see where it's at.