New Automatic Shifter Boot. "Hey is that a manual?"

[Adam]

So I had been working with the owner of Redline Goods for a while http://www.redlinegoods.com/ I think I was the first one to get a center lid cover after talking to them about making it. Now we had been brainstorming. He wanted to do other products. We spoke about getting an automatic shifter boot. I was not a big fan of the style of out automatic gear selector.

He had me take a number of measurements for him. then he sent me what you are about to see. I think it looks amazing, but you can decide for yourself. I think the price will end up being set around $50 also.

I have been asked if it is a manual a number of times. Then someone will say is that a 6 speed to which I say "Yes, yes it is" while others at car shows just say things like look at the shift boot. It turned out nice. Below is pics and a how to put it in. I am trying to touch base with Maciek about getting them up for sale. Not too many issues came up. Getting it spun the right direction was one thing. Then making the beauty ring clip back down. It is good now though.


Pontiac G8 gear selector boot installation

Before getting stared, you will need the following tools:
-Thin flat head screwdriver
-Star screwdriver (T20 size)

*Find a flat surface as you will place the car in gear for part of this installation

1. Remove silver trim ring around gear selector base. This can be done by prying lightly around the inside of the ring. This is being held on by a number of small clips.

2. With trim ring removed, peal off the foam on the underside of this silver beauty ring. You will not be reusing this.

3. Put the key in the ignition, turn the car to the on position (not starting the car). Pull the emergency brake up and put the car in drive.

4. Take your flat head screwdriver and place it in the top of the button portion and pry lightly. The button is being held in by a small dimple on either side that will come loose without any real pressure needed to pop off.

5. Take the T20 star shaped screwdriver and find the 1 screw holding the leather back portion on the shifter. Going from the front where the button was, you should see the screw to be removed.

6. Pop off the leather portion. Now you can see the skeleton to the shifter/gear selector. Now remove the retaining clip that holds the painted silver portion of the shifter. I was able to do this by pulling the painted silver section straight back. The clip will come off with the silver section.

7. Now the shifter is no longer being secured so you can pull it straight up off the shaft.

8. Now this may become your own technique. I placed the longest side of the boot facing the front. I cut the slits in the top part of the boot to be able to pull it up past the chrome section of the shaft and onto the actual gear selector.

9. Once you think you have the boot situated on the shifter the way you want it, you may now slide it back on the shaft and secure it back in place with the pained silver trim and the retaining clip.

10. Put the material under the opening of the beauty ring on the outside for a test fit. There will be a lot of check and recheck at this stage. In some positions, the leather will keep the beauty ring from going back in place, others will make the material pull out when going from park to drive to manual mode. One you have found the correct position, reverse the other steps putting the shifter back together. You are now done!


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664111_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664112_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664113_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664114_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664115_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664116_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664117_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664118_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664119_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664120_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664121_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664122_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664123_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664124_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664125_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664126_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3381/3329/33451664127_large.jpg

[G8GTKID]

Not bad. It would look better if the shifter sat in the neutral position.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[Atlas]

if he can do one in yellow, i will gladly pay $50 for it...

[HLDNG8]

That actually don't look half bad at all

[Adam]

Thanks guys. I think it would look better if it could be in neutral. But it looks like my Trans Am when I keep it in reverse, except it looks like first gear.

[Crazy Paul]

I take it nobody else ever is going to need to drive your car.

[Adam]

I take it nobody else ever is going to need to drive your car.

Why do you say that Paul? I never look down at where the gear selector is located for two reasons. 1 when it is all the way down, its in drive. 2 When you look at the DIC between the RPM and spedo gauges, it tells you exactly what gear you are in.

[GeoffA]

Looks Good, I like I like !

[Crazy Paul]

Why do you say that Paul? I never look down at where the gear selector is located for two reasons. 1 when it is all the way down, its in drive. 2 When you look at the DIC between the RPM and spedo gauges, it tells you exactly what gear you are in.

I'm thinking out for someone who has never driven a G8 before, maybe at a dealership, a valet, tyre place,someone who needs to move your car one day you're sick or something.
The first time you need to start up an unfamiliar car you're going to want a visual on what gear you're in.
First instinct would be to look down at the quadrant and not up at the DIC.
[I'm only taking about D, N, R, P]

[jcmGT]

It funny how these things work out. I have a 2k GP for dd. For several years, the dash gear indicator has been dead, the only indication of gear is what's by the shifter. Perhaps 10 folks outside my family has driven it ...and all complain the the gear is not indicated on the dash, the console markings are useless as they don't want to look down. Go figure.

[Adam]

I'm thinking out for someone who has never driven a G8 before, maybe at a dealership, a valet, tyre place,someone who needs to move your car one day you're sick or something.
The first time you need to start up an unfamiliar car you're going to want a visual on what gear you're in.
First instinct would be to look down at the quadrant and not up at the DIC.
[I'm only taking about D, N, R, P]

I got ya. It is just like any other American car though. P/R/N/D The DIC would show if the person looks up. Plus, you don't see a clutch, so you would figure out the automatic part pretty quickly. You still have to push in the brake in order to push the gear selector button. You would know that the first notch was reverse, then let go of the button and the most you can take a car down to is Drive. Even if the car has a low gear or a 1,2,3 if you let your hand off the button there is no way to go below Drive in any car that I am aware of.

But that is good thinking my brother from another mother! I see where you are coming from. I think people could figure it out. But I may be giving the every day public too much credit. I think it looks much better and more sports sedan this way then that little chrome shaft it comes with. Plus, I plan to move the suede and black over to the seat portion of the car which will really tie this interior all together. I think it is a great add on to the car personally. It is needed as much as the leather lid I bought that matches it, but both give the interior a better feel.

[fastg8mi]

thats pretty damn cool

[SRG963]

That looks great!

[Fatdaddy]

I like it.

[Adam]

He got them up for sale on the site http://redlinegoods.com/G80609shiftboot.shtm I think it is cool. Comes in under $50 bones

[JerzeyGT]

Looks sweet... Got me thinking how good that would look in red with my shifter knob...

[Adam]

Looks sweet... Got me thinking how good that would look in red with my shifter knob...

I think it would look awesome. I think some people found that the burgandy is what matches the Pontiac Red. But the Burgandy stitch does not match the Pontiac Red. I think it would look sweet though! And very sporty with that combo.

[BluYa76]

Ordered and thanks for sharing!

[RedlineGoods]

Hi guys,

I'm in the process of becoming a vendor here on Grrrr8, so we should see more of each other soon, hopefully the admins will approve me. :)

In the meantime, you can find/purchase this boot at

http://www.redlinegoods.com/G80609shiftboot.shtm

I don't want to give you more commercial tips until I'm a paying vendor/advertiser, but everything (color options, prices, etc) can be found if you search our site.

Have a great day,
Maciek

[RedlineGoods]

We're a new sponsor! :) Check out our vendor ad for the current 10% discount code. :)

http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=24906

[Adam]

^Glad to bring you over my friend! This is a great product.

[SRG963]

Thanks for the write up....will be using it soon :)

[Mr louis]

that is a sweet idea.I want one!

[Modhauler]

Thanks for the write up! My was just a phillips head screw not a torx one. A mirror helped seeing it. Mine needs alittle more adjusting but not until she's awake.
http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/45780/2183385710081319028S425x425Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/45613/2931769500081319028S425x425Q85.jpg

[Slizzo]

Oh damn... I think I may need to do the package deal and get both in all black...


I'm liking this, and the price (to me) is right!

[Slizzo]

ORDERED!


Impulse buys for the win! I went uninteresting and got them in all black, and got the extra padded console lid.

[Steve GT]

I like it but agree it could be confusing to someone who has never driven the car.

I looked at your page, wish you had things like this for the C5 Corvette.

[RedlineGoods]

I like it but agree it could be confusing to someone who has never driven the car.

I looked at your page, wish you had things like this for the C5 Corvette.

You must have been looking quite superficially, we've been offering a really wide C5 selection of colors for years! :)

http://www.redlinegoods.com/C5shiftboot.shtm

Like this for example:

http://www.redlinegoods.com/images/C5-39.jpg

Have a great day,
Maciek

[Steve GT]

You must have been looking quite superficially, we've been offering a really wide C5 selection of colors for years! :)

http://www.redlinegoods.com/C5shiftboot.shtm

Like this for example:

http://www.redlinegoods.com/images/C5-39.jpg

Have a great day,
Maciek


Oh cool. I don't see "Corvette" as a drop down option, even on that page. Maybe I'm just looking at your page wrong, but I never saw it before. Thanks for the direct link.

*edit. Ok, I see it now. It wasn't under "Chevrolet" it was under its own heading :)

[018of888]

ordered mine cant wait.....white boot with black stripe red stitching and a white armrest with black stripe red stitching....ill post pics once i receive them!!!!!

[Adam]

^ Should look nice! I bet it is a clean cut look.

[jcmGT]

Here is the all black version.

BTW, shipping was FAST. Installed with the long side to the front.

http://i526.photobucket.com/albums/cc350/jcmal_62/g8gt/CIMG0124.jpg
http://i526.photobucket.com/albums/cc350/jcmal_62/g8gt/CIMG0122.jpg

[Adam]

I like it. You did the long side up front like me. I think that is the best way for it to stay. I did notice that you kept it lower on the shifter. I am not sure how I feel about that. I was able to pull it up higher on the shifter. I think it gives it a cleaner flow. Yours does not look bad though, and for "just a black" unit, it looks real nice. Real clean look!

[jcmGT]

well, truth be told, I put in on while waiting for my son to complete a trumpet lesson -had it on in about 15 minutes- great instructions - so no time to customize it. Also ordered the console cover ... but while the leather came from over the pond, a sliding console showed up. Have not covered the old lid yet, but that cover looks primo also.

Thanks for the info on these fine leather pieces, they really compliment the interior.

[SRG963]

What's the maximum thickness we can fit under the arm rest cover? I don't care if the cover doesn't tuck into the plastic frame, just want to only see leather on the side. I'm thinking a inch and a half, but not sure.

I believe I read 6/8th unless ordering the 1 1/8" pad, then they would give you a larger cover? So should I shoot for 3/4"?

[Modhauler]

Mine isn't tucked under the plastic. I ordered the shorter padding with it. I had removed mine, pics in the other console thread, just because it was easier to play around with it.

http://Forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=22927&page=3

[Atlas]

i think im a bit retarded, as im having a hard time deciphering the options listed on the website: how would i go about getting the same boot cover as the OP, except with yellow stripes instead of the blue??

[RedlineGoods]

i think im a bit retarded, as im having a hard time deciphering the options listed on the website: how would i go about getting the same boot cover as the OP, except with yellow stripes instead of the blue??

Hi,

you need to select:

Primary leather BLACK
Secondary leather NONE
Finishing style STRIPES, color YELLOW (there are two available, Millenium Yellow and Light Yellow so please make sure to select the right one).

That's all! :)

Have a great day,
Maciek

[Modhauler]

Step 1: choose primary color (black)
step 2: choose stripes and then the color you want for them in the box to the right

You can also choose the color thread used

[Atlas]

Hi,

you need to select:

Primary leather BLACK
Secondary leather NONE
Finishing style STRIPES, color YELLOW (there are two available, Millenium Yellow and Light Yellow so please make sure to select the right one).

That's all! :)

Have a great day,
Maciek
order placed, i chose the light yellow b/c i know the millennium is too bright for my interior... i cant wait to see the finished product...

[1meand]

Mine just came today. Went with the maroon stripe to match my armrest. I need to adjust the stripe up by the shifter knob. All pictures are with the flash on because it's raining here again.
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/1meand2/Parts%20for%20Sale/DSC02430.jpg

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/1meand2/Parts%20for%20Sale/DSC02436.jpg

[Adam]

^ That is pretty damn sexy on your car man! The maroon is close to the Pontiac Red in the shifter too. Looks real nice and clean/streamline.

[1meand]

Thanks, yes the maroon matched better than the red. Now I wonder if the perforated black would have looked better in the center of the armrest, oh well, I'm happy with how it turned out.

[Slizzo]

Got the boot installed today. Noticed a couple things about it:

I believe I had to install it the opposite way, long side towards the rear. When I attempt to shift to Park the leather would stretch to it's limit and not allow me to shift to park easily. Turned it around and it seems good to me now.

When trying to manual shift, I have to keep slight pressure to the right on the gear selector, as it seems like the shifter doesn't want to stay all the way to the right. I have plenty of boot available; it's possible it has to do with the fact that I had to take my whole center console apart due to losing the retaining screw and clip from the shifter in the console assembly while taking it apart. This increased my install time to about an hour. Usually things will take me longer as I'm quite meticulous about what I'm doing on my car.

Otherwise, it's great! Once I turned the boot around it's pretty much perfect. It was very warm today (for CT at least) so things were rather forgiving. Hardest part was getting that silver ring to positively click into place.

[Adam]

Got the boot installed today. Noticed a couple things about it:

I believe I had to install it the opposite way, long side towards the rear. When I attempt to shift to Park the leather would stretch to it's limit and not allow me to shift to park easily. Turned it around and it seems good to me now.

When trying to manual shift, I have to keep slight pressure to the right on the gear selector, as it seems like the shifter doesn't want to stay all the way to the right. I have plenty of boot available; it's possible it has to do with the fact that I had to take my whole center console apart due to losing the retaining screw and clip from the shifter in the console assembly while taking it apart. This increased my install time to about an hour. Usually things will take me longer as I'm quite meticulous about what I'm doing on my car.

Otherwise, it's great! Once I turned the boot around it's pretty much perfect. It was very warm today (for CT at least) so things were rather forgiving. Hardest part was getting that silver ring to positively click into place.

See, I am like you. I tried to get the long side on the back at first because it seemed right, just by looking at it. But mine would pull out every time I would go into park. That being said, and me having the prototype, I had the company extend every side by 1/2" to give more without a mess of leather sitting there either. Did you pull the leather up past the shaft and onto the actual shifter? If it is on the chrome shaft, there is a ton of extra material but it bunches up some (since the extra material is for vertical purposes) which makes it hard to get to stay in place.

Someone else touched base with me on my install. They said that they pulled it up on the shifter, and did not have enough material. That was because as they pulled it up, the leather kind of rolled in (like starting to tune the whole unit inside out starting with the top) Once he unrolled it and had to cut the slits a little more to do so, it fit fine.

You are right that the hardest part is the beauty ring. That silver ring has such small tabs that it does not take much of anything to keep it from clicking down. Getting it turned right and the beauty ring part are two of the most time consuming parts of the entire process.

I hear a mix from people too. Some have the star screw holding the back on but it seems that all '08 and some '09 have a phillips head screw. I am sorry your clip and screw fell in the console section, that could not have been any fun to retrieve.

[Slizzo]

See, I am like you. I tried to get the long side on the back at first because it seemed right, just by looking at it. But mine would pull out every time I would go into park. That being said, and me having the prototype, I had the company extend every side by 1/2" to give more without a mess of leather sitting there either. Did you pull the leather up past the shaft and onto the actual shifter? If it is on the chrome shaft, there is a ton of extra material but it bunches up some (since the extra material is for vertical purposes) which makes it hard to get to stay in place.

Someone else touched base with me on my install. They said that they pulled it up on the shifter, and did not have enough material. That was because as they pulled it up, the leather kind of rolled in (like starting to tune the whole unit inside out starting with the top) Once he unrolled it and had to cut the slits a little more to do so, it fit fine.

You are right that the hardest part is the beauty ring. That silver ring has such small tabs that it does not take much of anything to keep it from clicking down. Getting it turned right and the beauty ring part are two of the most time consuming parts of the entire process.

I hear a mix from people too. Some have the star screw holding the back on but it seems that all '08 and some '09 have a phillips head screw. I am sorry your clip and screw fell in the console section, that could not have been any fun to retrieve.

Only slipped the boot up to the plastic ring on the bottom of the shifter "head". Didn't slip it up as far as you.

It WAS a pain in the ass to get the screw and retaining clip. Luckily the center console comes apart rather easily. I had to take a part the whole shifter assembly (!!!) just to get to them though. :) And yeah, I had the phillips screw, not torx.

The leather, I just was concerned about getting it under the lip on the console (the space in between the shifter assembly and the center console, rather, the gap that is left when you take the silver ring out.


BTW, the silver accent ring for the cup holders? That breaks easily. I have only one tab holding it in now....


BTW #2, I found it easier to "attach" the silver shifter piece to the shifter head, slip the leather boot over it up against the shifter head, and then slide the whole thing down onto the shifter assembly. Not sure if this is what you had stated in your instructions.

[-Ray-]

I have to admit after seeing it on Dan's (onemeand) G8, I thought it looked nice. Not something I would do since I have a missing pedal.

[Adam]

I have to admit after seeing it on Dan's (onemeand) G8, I thought it looked nice. Not something I would do since I have a missing pedal.

I know what you mean. But I had a shift boot on my Automatic Grand Am and GTP. Why not this too? Looks cleaner then the stock layout.

[TCorzett]

I had a shift boot on my Automatic Grand Am and GTP. Why not this too? Looks cleaner then the stock layout.
Several of the rental cars I've had lately have had boots as well. I like the look!

-Todd...

[-Ray-]

I know what you mean. But I had a shift boot on my Automatic Grand Am and GTP. Why not this too? Looks cleaner then the stock layout.

Adam, I'm not saying it shouldn't happen for others. Just not for me. I did say it looked good on Dan's G8.

[Slizzo]

I know what you mean. But I had a shift boot on my Automatic Grand Am and GTP. Why not this too? Looks cleaner then the stock layout.

Aye, my '99GTP was bone stock on the interior (well, except for the speakers and HU I put in) and it comes with a boot.

Ray, it's easy enough to put back to the way it was.. At least the center console lid is much nicer...

[1meand]

Ray, I'm going to order a pink one and go put it on your car while it's at Norris. Don't worry I'll find a clutch pedal and mount it in your car too. :)

[-Ray-]

Ray, I'm going to order a pink one and go put it on your car while it's at Norris. Don't worry I'll find a clutch pedal and mount it in your car too. :)

Then you'll get beat by a G8 with a pink shifter thingy.

[rmcrom]

I got a black console cover with black stripes. I like it!

[Adam]

Looks Good!

[RossD]

Dumb question . . . will this fit a manual?

[RedlineGoods]

Dumb question . . . will this fit a manual?

Yes sir, our site will ask you which one you need!

Have a great day,
Maciek

[hartigan85]

Anyone have any pics of a shift boot or armrest cover that matches the red seats or red shifter. I ordered a burgundy armrest cover based off reading on this forum that it was the closest match. That shit isn't even close.

[1meand]

I thought mine matched the shifter pretty good. I ordered burgundy and black.

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/1meand2/Parts%20for%20Sale/DSC02430.jpg
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/1meand2/Parts%20for%20Sale/DSC02436.jpg
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/1meand2/Parts%20for%20Sale/DSC02273.jpg

[hartigan85]

Well supposedly this is the new burgundy so if you want a match for the Pontiac shifter don't order it. Looks more brown to me.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0533.jpg

[RedlineGoods]

Well supposedly this is the new burgundy so if you want a match for the Pontiac shifter don't order it. Looks more brown to me.

Hi David (and all)

I know what the mistake was. We'll send you a replacement with what we call DARK RED, that's the color from 1meand's pictures. There was a bit of confusion with the two colors but we've sorted it out now.

David please email me to confirm the color choices you want on the new boots, do you want the same style (two-tone armrest and shift boot with stripes) or if you want to change anything. Now would be a good time. :)

Maciek

[Adam]

Maciek, you really are a class act my friend. Not making him eat the cost of the product! Totally cool.

[HoldenMan21]

product is good but does not have the OE fit
got &@$)(;@$& trying to install it ...
ended up cutting up the armrest cover into
a zillion pieces !

[RedlineGoods]

product is good but does not have the OE fit
got &@$)(;@$& trying to install it ...
ended up cutting up the armrest cover into
a zillion pieces !

Wow, that's not good. :( Can you describe what was the problem exactly so that we can get you a replacement that will not cause that frustration during installation?

[Adam]

^ Mine fit like a factory glove.

[Ben2009GT]

I received my today and install went smooth and it looks awesome. Nice products Redline all I need now E Brake boot.
12104

[Adam]

I guess he might be able to do some sort of stitched condom looking wrap for it. But I think it blends in with the console like it show the way it is now. What color did you go with? Any pics of it?

[RedlineGoods]

Hello everyone,

RedlineGoods proudly presents ///M-Striped products. Awesome, huh?

You are probably wondering "Why on Earth is this guy showing BMW parts to me?" The answer couldn't be more simple: Only to prove that we're open to new challenges and custom products. We are always happy to do more than any other manufacturer for you to Take Pride In Your Ride! :) So, if you have any idea what kind of model-specific finishing (stripes, thread, embroidery, etc.) we can develop for the car you drive, let us know immediately! And let's do it! :)

http://www.redlinegoods.com/varia/M-stripes7.jpg

http://www.redlinegoods.com/varia/M-stripes5.jpg

http://www.redlinegoods.com/varia/M-stripes6.jpg

http://www.redlinegoods.com/varia/M-stripes4.jpg

http://www.redlinegoods.com/varia/M-stripes3.jpg

Ah, and here's what you were really waiting for, our new discount code, valid thru 15th Sept.: I77CCG7245T

Enjoy!

Maciek
RedlineGoods Team

[RedlineGoods]

Hi
????

Have a great day,
Maciek

[Eric_GT]

Just installed my shifter boot and would like to make one comment- be very careful when removing the grey trim piece on the shift knob. There is a small clip inside which will fling out and fall down into the housing. I spent 15 mins searching for it with a flashlight and then another 15 mins trying to find a way to fish it out= a small pair of surgical scissors. Yeah, my hands were shaking with that one. lol
Just don't let my clumsiness happen to you. ;)
Overall though, a great looking product. Really livens up all that silver plastic in the console.

[RedlineGoods]

Thank you Eric

How nice to hear you like what you received and you have some advice to other customers :-)

Take care

Jack
RedlineGoods Team

[Daniel Linnett]

May want one for my th400 swap


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BODYSHOPG8]

looks good

[RedlineGoods]

Thank you :-)

Take care
Jack
RedlineGoods Team

[Seattle09GT]

FUCK!

I was installing my shift boot and I've had my first G8 install disaster. I broke two clips on the shifter trim ring, so now it won't stay in place. Either need suggestions on how to secure or a P/N and price for replacement. Damn it.

[Z06WHO]

Great idea for all the automatic guys and doesn't look half bad, I like.