rubber boots

[beavercars]

I have been told that the rubber boots for both the shift lever and the brake lever are not stock equipment...however, virtually all the Model A parts dealers carry them...what is the real story about these items? I want to make sure that my Model A's are correct for judging....thanks

 

[J Franklin]

They were a common after market accessory. used on many other cars also. I don't know if their presence would affect judging.

 

[Synchro909]

My cars are drivers so show considerations don't count. I have given up on those boots because they crack and tear quickly and easily. IMO, they are junk just like so many other "improvements".

 

[eagle]

I put them on my car probably 10 years ago and they haven't cracked or deteriorated at all that I can tell. I got mine from Mac's. The ones I got are pretty thick rubber, thinner would be better as they are a bit stiff. The shifter boot is OK but the brake lever boot lifts the carpet some when the brake is applied.

 

[CatMan1]

This is interesting to read because I was just thinking about getting a floor mat and also these boots. If I don't use the boots how to I keep the engine heat out in the summer?

 

[Y-Blockhead]

I put them on my car probably 10 years ago and they haven't cracked or deteriorated at all that I can tell. I got mine from Mac's. The ones I got are pretty thick rubber, thinner would be better as they are a bit stiff. The shifter boot is OK but the brake lever boot lifts the carpet some when the brake is applied.

I agree with Eagle. I have never had one crack or any other issue. I have the S/S retainers so mine are screwed to the floor. But as mentioned, mine is a driver. I don't think they were original, especially like mine.

I also used a parking brake retainer for my Mitchell shifter.

They do help seal out heat and oil IMO.

 

[Incognito-A]

I have been told that the rubber boots for both the shift lever and the brake lever are not stock equipment...however, virtually all the Model A parts dealers carry them...what is the real story about these items? I want to make sure that my Model A's are correct for judging....thanks

Only the earliest left hand brake cars used a boot on the brake lever. You should get a current copy of the Judging Standards and Restoration Guidelines if you want to be correct for judging.

 

[clifforddward]

Each will have their opinion, but for me I prefer to stick to the stock configuration for things like these rubber boots...since not original from Ford factory they are not for me...but I won't criticize those that like to use them...there are many items that can be added to our Model A Fords...that is the beauty of the hobby!

 

[J Franklin]

Get the seamstress to whip you up some imitation leather ones! My rubber ones are old-old but are in good condition. Maybe there were some batch or age deficiencies with the rubber. Or old Argentinian stock. Never know. Anyone remember Rick's packs?

 

[ericr]

didn't the original floormats have some of reinforcement around the gear shift and emergency brake?

 

[Don S]

Interesting info for judging purposes, rubber pedal covers and spare tire covers are to be removed prior to judging. So you can use them just don't show them .

 

[J Franklin]

Interesting info for judging purposes, rubber pedal covers and spare tire covers are to be removed prior to judging. So you can use them just don't show them .

Maybe they need to be removed to show the condition of the item they were covering.

 

[redmodelt]

This is interesting to read because I was just thinking about getting a floor mat and also these boots. If I don't use the boots how to I keep the engine heat out in the summer?

Open the windshield just enough to force air down, that is why there are holes behind the trim piece, and roll down the windows.

 

[Synchro909]

Open the windshield just enough to force air down, that is why there are holes behind the trim piece, and roll down the windows.

I do similar but don't wind the windows down. I figure that by leaving them up, I am creating positive air pressure in the cabin, thus forcing air out through the gaps where the hot air would come in.
To keep us warm on a cold day, I open the side windows a little and close the windscreen to encourage the hot air in.

 

[Bob-A]

Some years ago on greedBay a guy was selling leather shifter boots. For an MG or some other sports cars. The price was right so I bought four black ones, he had them in different colors. The look and fit on the shifter is great. To fit the e-brake handle I had to open up the top of the boot a little to fit over the top of the push button finger hold. Maybe not stock, but sure does look good and the god of "era correct" was satisfied.


Bob-A

 

[old ugly]

the rubber boots look nice and are popular but i know nothing of judging standard.

for me i don't have them the floor mat fits nice around the shift tower and looks ok. the park brake has gaps but is not an eyesore. seams im taking the mats and boards out alot these days so it is also easier.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Some years ago on greedBay a guy was selling leather shifter boots. For an MG or some other sports cars. The price was right so I bought four black ones, he had them in different colors. The look and fit on the shifter is great. To fit the e-brake handle I had to open up the top of the boot a little to fit over the top of the push button finger hold. Maybe not stock, but sure does look good and the god of "era correct" was satisfied.

Bob-A

Bob, do you have a picture of your boots? I bet they look nice.

 

[Utopia Texas]

I agree with Eagle. I have never had one crack or any other issue. I have the S/S retainers so mine are screwed to the floor. But as mentioned, mine is a driver. I don't think they were original, especially like mine.

I also used a parking brake retainer for my Mitchell shifter.

They do help seal out heat and oil IMO.

How do you get into the bathroom with the door knob missing?

 

[Y-Blockhead]

How do you get into the bathroom with the door knob missing?

Haha, I put the Model A shift knob on the bathroom door. The missus doesn't care much for it tho.

Actually I got that knob from my Grandma ~55 years ago. I have a purple one also. I don't know where she would get all these door knobs but she used to collect them and put them in her window sills so the sun would sparkle in them.