Shift Tower trim

ampico-kid

Senior Member
Wasn't quite sure what to call this post, but what I'm looking for is some way to dress up the area around where the shift and the emergency brake handle come through the floor carpet. As you can see in the picture the opening in the carpet/rubber mat is starting to look pretty ragged. I'd like to dress it up a bit with something? But what? Is there any kind of a trim ring or something made to dress it up? Thanks.


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Most vendors sell a shift and parking brake boot.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=978882&cat=0

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=978879&cat=0

They even have a S/S trim rings if you want to get fancy.

51160676125_71b0e90c23.jpg


32877662857_c5b4e08e9c.jpg
 
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The boot for my parking brake handle was very difficult to get on and off. I slit it to make things easier.
 
Most vendors sell a shift and parking brake boot.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=978882&cat=0

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=978879&cat=0

They even have a S/S trim rings if you want to get fancy.

51160676125_71b0e90c23.jpg


32877662857_c5b4e08e9c.jpg

I've seen those "boots" for sale, but thought they looked kind of sloppy because the trim rings overlap each other. I guess if that's the only option, it looks better than seeing the edge of the carpet (and the rubber mat) unraveling.
 
I've seen those "boots" for sale, but thought they looked kind of sloppy because the trim rings overlap each other. I guess if that's the only option, it looks better than seeing the edge of the carpet (and the rubber mat) unraveling.

Although my rings appear to be overlapping in the picture, they are not. They sit flush. I trimmed the parking brake to fit the shifter ring.
 
I've seen those "boots" for sale, but thought they looked kind of sloppy because the trim rings overlap each other. I guess if that's the only option, it looks better than seeing the edge of the carpet (and the rubber mat) unraveling.

Although my rings appear to be overlapping in the picture, they are not. They sit flush. I trimmed the parking brake to fit the shifter ring. I imagine you could trim the shifter ring to fit the parking brake also, if that appeals more to you.
 
I've seen those "boots" for sale, but thought they looked kind of sloppy because the trim rings overlap each other. I guess if that's the only option, it looks better than seeing the edge of the carpet (and the rubber mat) unraveling.
My boots have a fold of rubber immediately above the flange that goes under the carpet, the fold hides the edge of the carpet. Sorry I can't show you a pic, I just took the carpet and floorboards out this morning!

I shoot a spritz of Armour-All on the inside of my e-brake boot to help it slide over the hande better. Standard silicone-base detailing spray works fine as well. Both dry nicely with time, unlike Vaseline.

BTW, a rubber boot for a VW bug or dune buggy works great for the 1/2" shaft on a Mitchell O/D. Matches the rubber boot for the shift lever well.
 
In 1928 the tudor, coupe, sport coupe and leather back fordor had carpet also. See RG&JS for more information
 
From the RG&JS 160B


Is this a picture of what it would have originally looked like from the factory? I have that, but with the passage of time the rubber gets hard and brittle and starts to break up around the openings. That's where I'm at now and looking for a solution. I'm not necessarily looking for a RG&JS solution, but rather one that does the job and looks decent.

Thanks for all of the replies.
 
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