HOW-TO Install Shift Knob/Boot on ATX - Page 8

hybridtheory31 · 08-20-2008, 03:37 AM

bluefront · 08-20-2008, 03:44 PM

Well I just did the shift boot mod only....using a boot from Auto Zone ($10). It's easy. Take the center consul out. The boot will slip over the knob without removing it. The boot has elastic on the bottom....just fits over the shifter bezel without removing anything. I installed a DIY foam gasket on the under-side of the consul opening.....to keep the consul from cutting into the boot. As you're re-installing the consul, pull the slack out of the boot around the opening...makes for a neat install.

You might have to put a small ring (maybe tape) of some sort on the shift lever to keep the boot from riding up too far. Easy install of about one hour, and you only need a phillips screw-driver.

bluefront · 08-21-2008, 11:38 AM

Update....after looking at the setup for a while I didn't like the way the boot fit. It seemed to be a little long. So I cut the bottom elastic off and shortened the whole boot about an inch. Fits better. I also removed the lace from the top. To get the top to hold tighter, I ran a thin strip of cloth duct tape around the top edge. I like it much better, and the shifter moves easier...about like it did without the boot.

The foam gasket is now necessary to hold the boot tight. This should do it..

loudfocus01 · 08-22-2008, 09:14 PM

Your boot looks weird because it sits down in the opening.
If you had the OEM mount for it, it'd look a lot better IMO.
You could even use that boot for it, just staple it to the mount.

bluefront · 08-23-2008, 05:18 AM

You're suggesting a mount for a stick shift? There's very few options for securing a boot in this setup. If you would remove the shifter indicator plate completely, it might mount easier.

The problem here.....this is a generic boot made for a stick shift car. You have to leave enough slack in the boot so it doesn't get stretched tight when you shift all the way to drive 1. Anyway....the job is easy enough. If you get tired of it you can loosen the two screws at the front of the consul, and pull the boot right out in a minute or so.

It actually looks better than the picture.....so it stays.

dtecPwr · 10-30-2008, 03:45 PM

well I have had this mod done for awhile but i finally got around to posting pics
here you go let me know what you think.

Executionerhk · 10-31-2008, 09:51 AM

I like it!!
maybe a fake clutch paddle will fool people!!

dtecPwr · 10-31-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Executionerhk

I like it!!
maybe a fake clutch paddle will fool people!!

fake??????
I'm hoping to have a real one there someday

dakotaZX3 · 05-03-2009, 01:37 PM

loooovin it!!!

krazyk86cu · 06-19-2009, 12:12 AM

Awesome thread! us Mazda 3 people have one similar. Its a little easier on us thanks to our staircase shifters. Also open to a much wider variety of shiftknobs. Here are some pics of different setups I've had on my atx 3...

autozone knob with autozone boot

Monsterknob with autozone boot

autozone knob with OEM Mazdaspeed3 shift surround and boot

stock knob with OEM Mazdaspeed3 shift surround and boot:

Monsterknob with OEM Mazdaspeed3 shift surround and boot:

faux Mazdaspeed knob with OEM Mazdaspeed3 shift surround and boot:

I love my Mazdaspeed knob (which is pretty rare) but I also really miss my Monsterknob. What setup do yall like the best?