We are redoing our standard tranny (Moss) center console. We ordered part number BD14134 which all the vendors sell for the MK2 as a shift boot.

Reference photos.

First problem. Center hole is too small, will not go all the way down the shift rod.

Second problem. Even if it went all the way down the shift rod, how is it attached? even if it was magically attached, it will not work as it will not allow any movement of the lever.

We did find a plate attached to the underside of the console and it seems as thought the boot fits into it. As found it was not doing anything. But again, if it got attached one would not be able to move the lever, There is just no give.

So what is the use of this part????

Thanks
jjsandsms

Not sure the plate holding down the rubber is correct for you car. Here's how the boot is attached on my '66 S Type.

It is a very tight fit around the shift lever and a little difficult to install on the transmission tunnel. Currently it's pushed too far down the shift lever in this photo and need to be pulled up a little. It is a round boot just like yours which makes it a challenge to install.

It's a few decades since I dismantled this so I may be wrong. I think the rubber boot is supposed to be conical rather than flat when it's installed. The centre has to be only far enough down that it's below the leather boot that goes over it. That might allow easier movement of the gear lever. Of course, as this is a replacement rubber part, there's every possibility that it was made completely the wrong shape. As for the plate, sorry, I can't remember.

Interesting yours (S-Type) has a metal retaining ring. Also the rubber boot looks similar in that it is round. I see no evidence there ever was a retaining ring on my MK2 tunnel cover as yours. But even if it did or I make one, the boot supplied will not go down that far without destroying it. Probably another aftermarket Chinese piece that is all wrong. Also the rubber is so stiff that with the long 1st gear throw on the Moss box, no sure we would get there.

But cannot imagine why the trans cover would be different between the two cars. Oh well another mystery.

Thanks
jjsandsms

I had a look in the Mk2 parts book and the drawing there looks like the photo by Felixbobcat.

Yes I do see the boot and the ring. The ring is BD.26154 and is installed with self tapping screws. So I suppose it is self fitted.

A quick search shows it not available.
Thanks

I will testify that the replacement boot is crap. This the second one I've installed. The first one replaced a Hurst boot that someone had previously installed and had rotted. Put one of these in three years ago before pulling the engine to rebuild. When I went to reinstall it last fall it was already falling apart! They can inhibit shifting if not set at the correct height since they are way too stiff and at the same time made of inferior rubber. I think I got both of these from Barrett.

I got mine from Moss and as mentioned it is very stiff and will get destroyed if I try to slide it all the way down to the tunnel cover. I will see if I can send it back with free shipping, otherwise will just keep it as a decoration.

Thanks for the answer.

jjsandsms

A lot of UK kit car builders use/adapt the rubber gaiter made from the Triumph Stag. It has a flat base that can be cut down.