kevincnc

When I got my car, one of the first stupid things I did was re-covering the shift **** because the dye was warn off in spots, and I didn't know that they could be re-dyed. I wasn't happy with my wrinkly re-cover job and finally found one on ebay from an '89 in similar (but worse) condition as my original. I bought a steering wheel kit from Leatherique for $20, and pictures below show the results. I started with Rejuvinator Oil, then Prestine Clean (not included in the kit), which cleaned and softened the boot part really well. This is not a plug for Leatherique, just stating what worked for me.

Picture 1 shows the ebay shift **** after using the prepping agent to clean it, ready for dye. Rather than risking messing up the leather by digging the cap out, I drilled a hole through from behind and pushed it out. Picture 2 is after dying black with a soft paint brush, and clear-coat on the ****-part only. A paper towel worked better than the brush for the clear coat. Picture 3 is the wrinkly re-covered ****, and 4 is the new one after drying a few more days, installed in the car.

gregeast

Bravo Kevin, looks great!

Thanks for the comparison photos.

Dr.Porsche

Yes very nice, thanks for the post.

hockeydude

is there a way that you can recover the ***** without the lumpyness and wrinkles? (making pic 3 look like pic 4)

Airflite40

i don't think the wrinkly one looks that bad, it looks more like leather, while the #4 almost looks like plastic...
either way, nice job!

Camaro_Muncher

I agree, but the new one does look nice.

alordofchaos

Wow, your **** looks great!



Wait, I meant, "great looking shifter"!

AndyK

Nice, although like the others, I think you did a great job on the re-cover too.

Will that dye come off on your hands in the hot summer months, etc??

gregeast

I redyed mine last spring and it hasn't come off at all.

AndyK

Interesting. I could have just kept my original and re-dyed it instead of buying 3 more ****/boot combos over the past 3 years!!

gregeast

Here's a not so great pic of mine. I went through 2 other aftermarket boots and didn't like the fit. Fortunately I kept the stock one. I re-dyed it and put it back on the **** and have been very happy with it.

MM951

Those pics do a great job of showing how fresh a new boot is..
Greg East you have a fantastic car in and out

gregeast

Kevin,

After a few days I went back and applied Leatherique to the dyed boot and it took a little of the sheen off. Just a thought.

Mike: Thanks, it's turned into a fun hobby

ibkevin

Nice work Kevin!

Yes he does.

kevincnc

Thanks guys. Greg your engine bay makes me want a red car! Which Leatheique product took off a liitle of the sheen?