Hi everyone. It looks like I need to replace the leather shift boot on my newly acquired '88 944. The shift boot still looks like it's in decent shape but it seems to have shrunken to the point where it won't fit over the plastic piece that snaps into the console so is currently just floating above it. Also, looking beneath it I see that the inner rubber boot has a tear in it which probably caused the leather boot shrink over time. Given this is all probably original I think it's time to replace both.

What I'm wondering is which part would make the most sense for the leather boot. I can get the leather boot by itself from 944 online or I can get the shift **** and boot from Pelican Parts. I've read some posts that say it's a pain to work the leather boot over the shifter as well as dealing with getting the cap on. So am I really saving anything by getting the shifter + boot set since I still have to get the cap on? Anyone have any experiences with either?

The shifter+boot is twice as much ($80) but I'd be up for getting it if it really saves a ton of time and would give me better results. This is my first 944 DIY project so appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

 

I've replaced just the leather boot. By getting the pre-assembled combo, you'll save yourself about a half hour of working time, and some sore fingers. I installed mine while watching TV and just worked on it during commercial breaks.
I think there might be some dimensional variations in the boots themselves. The one I installed actually broke a stitch right at the shift handle's thick section. This is with getting the leather tight and allowing it to relax before progressing further too. I wasn't too pleased with this.

If you enjoy working on things, and the challenge of figuring out how to get something a bit archaic to work and look good, go with just the boot. If you just want the shift boot to be new again, get the pre-assembled combo.

 

Thanks, that makes sense. I don't mind working on stuff but from your experience with the stitching I'd probably go the replacement route myself.

Now, on the complete other side of the spectrum I've been looking into other options to customize the shifter altogether since I'm taking stuff apart and came across this kit from 9XAuto. It let's you use any Momo shifter and comes with a Momo boot. The con is it's pricey but could really set off the interior nicely since I'm looking to get a Momo wheel as well.

Has anyone tried this kit?

 

I got just the leather and it was dead easy. I did it in about fifteen minutes one evening. Just pop the plastic insert out of the top, pull up the bottom of the boot and peel it off. Then just reverse the process. It really is just that easy. I forget what kit I had (this was several years ago), but it was pretty trivial to make the swap.