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Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 6:37 pm
by teK--
This is more so relevant to the manual drivers who have fitted a short throw shifter with reduced height; have you noticed how the factory shift boot is bunched up and looks kinda weird? I'm thinking of either getting some custom boots made via this mob:

http://www.redlinegoods.com/shiftboot.htm

(They do armrest leathers and also parkbrake lever boots too).

Otherwise Perhaps the factory boot can have some cut off it to accomodate the shorter shifter. (I'm not sure how much to cut and at the same time don't wanna risk wrecking it lol.

Anyone tried something similar?

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:04 am
by sheppo9
I got one off Redline for my Gen III and my wife's 06 Impreza after both cars got short shifters.
They look and feel pretty good, and show no signs of wear after 18 months or so.
Took about about 2 weeks to turn up.
Took abit of fiddling to get them to sit right/fit too, and had to take the gearknob holder jigger (plastic ring the knob "locks" into) out of the old boot and swap it over.

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:58 pm
by swingn
Since I work in leather, I've actually been thinking about manufacturing some leather boots (More so for auto drivers like myself :P ).

So if there's enough interest, I may be able to put something together :D

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:01 pm
by smythie
swingn wrote:Since I work in leather
You work in leather too? I thought you only put it on for meet ups at KK's :twisted:

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:09 pm
by Digital
LOL @ smythie

matt, i'd be interested in this! not keen on paying however much japanparts are asking!

sorry to OP for hijack... lol

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:23 pm
by Sentinel
Not taking anything away from Matt, but have you visited some of better quality auto trimmers in Melbourne?

EDIT - re-reading that, it can be misinterpreted... So, I meant: other than those people you have spoken to so far, have you spoken to some better quality trimmers? I.e. blackmans or supertrim etc?
I only suggesed this as being in Melbourne you can see / touch / feel what you can get. Otherwise, if Matt can do something, then support the forums. :good:

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:25 pm
by blacknwhite
Matt
I totally ignored that potential problem ,now I have got that short shifter kit on order with he who supplies all :D you better get to it! Chop Chop or perhaps snip snip!

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 9:15 am
by birch_security
I have had the short shifter fitted and it certainly makes no difference to the boot.
The shifter is simply shorter throws but the height of the gear stick is still the same to OEM.

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 12:08 pm
by teK--
Hey Birch,

Not sure which short shifter you have installed but I have the AVO one and the throw is shorter (adjustable too), but also the height of the shifter is lower as well, I measured approx 15mm. This is pretty consistent with other short shifters such as Kartboys and Perrin. I think it's only the STi one that has minimal change on throw and height.

Especially since the throw is now reduced, there does not need to be as much "give" in the boot as the boot is not stretched out as much when in first or fifth gears.

Hey Swingn if you are up for organising a group make/buy then I'd love to see details :D

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 1:43 pm
by cyrus_b
swingn, id be interested in an auto boot too

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 2:06 pm
by smythie
teK-- wrote:Hey Birch,

Not sure which short shifter you have installed but I have the AVO one and the throw is shorter (adjustable too), but also the height of the shifter is lower as well, I measured approx 15mm. This is pretty consistent with other short shifters such as Kartboys and Perrin. I think it's only the STi one that has minimal change on throw and height.

Especially since the throw is now reduced, there does not need to be as much "give" in the boot as the boot is not stretched out as much when in first or fifth gears.

Hey Swingn if you are up for organising a group make/buy then I'd love to see details :D
Pretty sure Birch and blacknwhite have/will have STi short shifters

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:16 pm
by birch_security
Tek,

Its an sti short shifter and the throws are shorter, but the height of the shifter is definietly the same.
I thought it was shorter too but when put the OEM and STi side by side it was definietly the same height.

Alex

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:33 pm
by Woodduck
Oh good, so its not just me. When i got in my car after i had my STi short shifter fitted, i was SO close to going back into the guy who fitted it and having a go. I honestly thought they had charged me and not fitted the short shifter because it was the same height as the stock shifter :lol: It was lucky that I had a play with it first and noticed the tighter, shorter changes, or else i would have got dick of the week haha. So Birch, you are correct, on the STi short shifter the shift is DEFINANTLY shortened, but the height is NOT!

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 5:27 pm
by teK--
From other feedback I've read Woodduck, the STi STS costs a lot and doesn't really change the throw that much at all. It's noticeable but nowhere near as much as the other shifters on the market which just replace the shift lever. Perhaps if you are at the next Melbourne meet and I'm there you can check mine out and see what I mean :)

Re: Shifter leather boots

PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 3:54 pm
by Digital
swingn wrote:Since I work in leather, I've actually been thinking about manufacturing some leather boots (More so for auto drivers like myself :P ).

So if there's enough interest, I may be able to put something together :D


BUMP on this....

not going ahead?? :angel: :angel: :angel: