Carpet install with shifter boots
 

I am installing insulation and carpet in my 65 K20. Does anyone have suggestions or know how to install the shifter boots with trim rings? Do you glue the boot down to the metal, then put insulation and carpet up to it, then install trim ring? I'm trying to figure out how to keep the insulation and carpet dry. Thanks

Re: Carpet install with shifter boots
 

I simply pinched the boot between the carpet and the trim ring and it worked pretty well. Eventually though the boot wore out so I used some fake leather looking fabric and made a cone style boot like the late model cars have. I installed it using the same trim ring from the rubber one, same as before but added a zip tie to secure it to the stick. Seems to stay dry. It would be hard for water to reach it in the middle of the floorboard i think.

Re: Carpet install with shifter boots
 

Yeah, boot and trim ring typically go over the top of the carpet and pinches the carpet between it and the floor.

Do yourself a huge favor and mark where the trim ring holes are. Used a piece of 3/16" brake line (about 4-5" long) and hold in a pair of vice grips. Heat the end of the tubing with a propane torch and then melt through the carpet where the screws will go. This makes a nice hole and seals the edges so the screw does not grab the carpet and pull the fibers out with it. I just did this on my panel truck. Did same thing for seat mounting holes and it worked perfect. Here's a couple pics of the seat holes to give you the idea.

Re: Carpet install with shifter boots
 

I'm not sure this will work for you, but here's what I did on my 55 Chevy car. Carpet is tucked into bottom fold. Trim ring secures the boot to the floor.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b...8=w800-h600-no

Re: Carpet install with shifter boots
 

@ Chevy Mike, GREAT Tip!!!. Thanks

Re: Carpet install with shifter boots
 

Thanks for all the tips everyone. Got it done this weekend!

Re: Carpet install with shifter boots
 

Yes great tip! One I could have used in the past!

For vinyl floor covers, you can use a spade bit like this, after punching a small starter hole with a screwdriver or whatever. Beats the heck out of trying to cut and trim a hole by hand.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vQ...g=w640-h480-no

Re: Carpet install with shifter boots
 

I installed a new shifter and boot last month and did it the way Chevy Mike describes. It worked well. Just ordered new carpet so I'll be doing it again only this time I may weld the seat mounting bolts in from the bottom.