Carpet install with shifter boots - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Submariner616** · 08-02-2019, 12:20 AM

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

AcampoDave · 08-02-2019, 12:36 AM

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.

chevy_mike · 08-02-2019, 10:51 AM

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.

**MikeB** · 08-02-2019, 11:01 AM

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.

MOJO1963GMC · 08-02-2019, 01:42 PM

@ Chevy Mike, GREAT Tip!!!. Thanks

**Submariner616** · 08-04-2019, 05:46 PM

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

**MikeB** · 08-05-2019, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOJO1963GMC

@ Chevy Mike, GREAT Tip!!!. Thanks

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.

verdell · 08-06-2019, 10:07 AM

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.

08-02-2019, 12:20 AM	#1
Submariner616 Active Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 140	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 __________________ Submariner616 1965 Chevrolet K20 350 4 speed manual

08-02-2019, 12:36 AM	#2
AcampoDave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: central California Posts: 2,780	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.

08-02-2019, 10:51 AM	#3
chevy_mike Never Ending Projects Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,836	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. Attached Images __________________ . 1965 C10 Panel, Tiki Express http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=506580 SOLD 1968 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod Hauler http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313233 SOLD 1965 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415702 SOLD We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason... listen twice as much and speak half as often...

08-02-2019, 11:01 AM	#4
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,599	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. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

08-02-2019, 01:42 PM	#5
MOJO1963GMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Abilene Texas Posts: 89	Re: Carpet install with shifter boots @ Chevy Mike, GREAT Tip!!!. Thanks

08-04-2019, 05:46 PM	#6
Submariner616 Active Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 140	Re: Carpet install with shifter boots Thanks for all the tips everyone. Got it done this weekend! __________________ Submariner616 1965 Chevrolet K20 350 4 speed manual

08-06-2019, 10:07 AM	#8
verdell Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Columbus, MS Posts: 445	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.



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