Has anyone re covered transmission shifter
- Thread starter Bjordnolf
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
PM IRBIS, he was parting out 5 80 series(in the parting out section) and I bought a used leather shifter selector to replace my worn out leather covered one. It was almost like brand new for fraction of the cost. I think I saw Spectre off road selling new ones for like $140 as well.
OEM part. Replaced mine some years ago. Not too pricy IIRC.
I replaced mine over the weekend. 4 phillips screws, 3 12mm bolts, and pliers (needle nose works best) is all it takes.
It's not the transmission, it's the transfer case shifter.
$140? Holy cow!!
It's not the transmission, it's the transfer case shifter.
$140? Holy cow!!
You asked about the leather (pleather) boot on the transmission. Since the only leather boot is on the transfer case shift lever, we are assuming this is what you're referring to. Technically speaking it is not the transmission but the transfer case.
BTW, there is no possibility that I would have spent $140 on that part. If that was my cost it would still be torn. Talk to John Hocker or Dan or whoever your favorite parts guru might be.
Oh no you didn't. Sorry, I misread your post. I'll be quiet now.
Alternate way to go, is to carefully remove(cut off) all the leather from the shifter. I did this to mine after swapping with the one I purchased from IRBIS. Looks kinda cool and I would of done this if a replacement shifter was not in the future.
What do you do with the wire in the picture? I have an extra but I am clueless about what to do about that harness.
Redye. You can pick up a rattle can of black leather/vinyl dye at Autozone for $4. If the leather is messed up you can sand or even repair it if its torn before you spray.
Here is a pic after I dyed my shifters about 5 months ago (they still look the same):
Here is a pic after I dyed my shifters about 5 months ago (they still look the same):
Last edited:
When I installed the new one, I made the mistake of cutting the OD connector down underneath the the centre console and splicing in the new one instead of just disconnecting at the OD button. I didn't reallize that the OD button can come out. Once you take all apart it all becomes obvious.
Leather is cheap. I was thinking about replacing my cover as well. There is a Tandy leather shop near my house, I happen to have an awl and a little stitching experience. I imagine it would be pretty easy to make a pattern off of what is left of mine. If I get around to it I'll post up pics.
I would start by cutting the stitching of the cover, then laying the pieces out on a piece of leather and drawing a pattern. Cut it, awl it, stitch it, tighten it, tie it off, and you're golden.
I would start by cutting the stitching of the cover, then laying the pieces out on a piece of leather and drawing a pattern. Cut it, awl it, stitch it, tighten it, tie it off, and you're golden.
I could probably score some leather here, too. Just have no clue about install...
Do you use any sort of "adhesive" to prevent the leather from "creeping" around the wheel or knobs? What kind of thread do you use?
Where could I practice, to develop some reasonable skills for this kind of upgrade?
Thanks for the info!
Do you use any sort of "adhesive" to prevent the leather from "creeping" around the wheel or knobs? What kind of thread do you use?
Where could I practice, to develop some reasonable skills for this kind of upgrade?
Thanks for the info!
I don't think you'd have to worry about it slipping around if it's tight. The shape of the shifter doesn't really lend itself to that very much. The one thing I'm not sure of is where the leather is rolled under. I'm not sure how they did that. The leather store sells some waxed string that holds very well. They also sell some stuff where I have NEVER been able to get a knot to hold. I intend to use the black waxed stuff and see how it goes. If I don't like it I'll redo it.
I've made a couple leather covered books. I'm not saying I'm REAL experienced, but enough so that I know it's easier than you'd think. When I get some time I'm going to do some additional research online and then just jump in with both feet. What's the worst that could happen? My shifter knob won't be leather covered. OOOOOOHH! Not that! I probably just lost $500 in value and my Cruiser isn't authentic anymore!
I'm a little redneck-ish and proud of it. I'll give it a shot. When I do I'll post up pics. I'm sure this will be a fun 'mod' and info could be useful.
I've made a couple leather covered books. I'm not saying I'm REAL experienced, but enough so that I know it's easier than you'd think. When I get some time I'm going to do some additional research online and then just jump in with both feet. What's the worst that could happen? My shifter knob won't be leather covered. OOOOOOHH! Not that! I probably just lost $500 in value and my Cruiser isn't authentic anymore!
I'm a little redneck-ish and proud of it. I'll give it a shot. When I do I'll post up pics. I'm sure this will be a fun 'mod' and info could be useful.
You have such a nice truck. You've got to get rid of that crappy wood trim. It is an eyesore. You've just grown accustomed to it.
Speaking of shifter knobs (Transmission and Transfer Case), are both of them the normal rubber shifters just covered in leather? If so, I may take them off. I like the plain rubber shifter on the TC much better anyway.
I think they totally missed it on that whole grey (if that's what they call it) interior color package. Removing the fake wood would expose alot more grey plastic. He could replace the fake wood with something else. I think I've seen kits on ebay but I can't remember the options.
Rookie2
I'll be pulling the haggard leather off my shifter this weekend. No need for me to spend money to replace it, I don't care that much anyway.
Its always been there and I am resisting that change for now.
I suppose someday I may pull it all off.
It's your truck, and opinions definitely vary on these things.
I shouldn't have spoken in such absolutes.
