It's been 5.5 years since I started this thread, and I still need a set. If you do make more, please let me know. It looks great - thanks for taking the time to make them.
All right, we finally have something that is of good quality, very usable -- and affordable: http://www.ebay.com/itm/351645507381 BUICK Consolette ("Short Console") 1965-72 Skylark 4 Speed Shift Boot Retainer $19 + $4 s&h = $23
That piece is finally available after numerous attempts to buy orig. from Joe. After I bought $everal sets offthe bay even bought several consoles just to get said rings in any condition.Knowing that 1 day I could build a 4 spd buford with stock appearing manual !!!! . Well boys how does it look?
Sure -- great! Now, finally, at last, we have a usable lower boot retaining ring and a dandy upper: The Parts Place (TPP) buick CP1011S 1965-72 Buick Skylark / GS Upper Boot Trim Bezel with Console - Manual - Each $69 + $6 shipping and handling = $75 Go to: https://www.thepartsplaceinc.com/buick-skylark-gs-regal-gn-parts.aspx Search for the year, make and model involving your Buick Skylark / GS Then enter Keyword of bezel and part number of CP1011S They have a picture here: https://www.thepartsplaceinc.com/PopUp/PopUp.aspx?imageID=CP1011S.jpg Also on eBay with three views involving two of the consolette: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-72-Bui...297293?hash=item3f6418f6cd:g:j~MAAOSwmtJXUK3U OK, so, what we need next is the CONSOLETTE ("short console") itself, with both upper and lower clam shell halves, plus the right mounting pieces, the Buick emblem hole filler of the tachometer, etc.
I am looking into this as well. Are there two rings? One with a lip that goes into the shifter whole of the consolette so it like like a bezel look such as this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-72-Bui...297293?hash=item3f6418f6cd:g:j~MAAOSwmtJXUK3U The one that goes beneath it that is flat metal such as this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/351645507381 It appears so based on the original post saying there were two rings. Also, which is the correct shifter boot for a 1970 GS? This? http://www.oldbuickparts.com/cart/shifter-boot-1965-72-buick-skylark-gs-p-2914.html Or this? http://www.oldbuickparts.com/cart/shifter-boot-1968-72-buick-p-2913.html I assume the first shifter boot. That is what mine looks like. Or is it both? One upper, one lower or something? Sorry, I am confused. Thanks.
These are the best reproductions available. The first, upper trim bezel is a machined aluminum part. The original is a diecast / plated part. For the lower retainer the original does have a raised center that better supports the centers of the rubber boot. I did order one of the lower retainers. It came bent in half because of how thin it is and it is just flat stock. The original with the raised center will not do this and is much more supportive as a lower retainer. The first boot is around the stick coming out consolette while the second is for the stick coming though the floorboard and is "hidden" by the carpet and is under the consolette. I hope this helps and we may hear more from others. Troy
When you open the top part of consolette, on the backside are three mounting studs in the casting. First put bezel in place, then upper shifter boot, then the lower retainer and a speed nut on each stud. Troy
I must be a moron, I didn't see them last night, it was a little dark. I did notice two small studs on the bottom plate by where the large shifter hole is. What are they for? Also, the lower boot, that just goes over the shifter and is not attached to anything then?
OK, I am not a moron. Some moron/previous owner shaved the studs off. I am not sure why. Or if they are super thin, maybe they broke off? They look like the where ground down. Can I just tack on some new studs? If so, what is the size and length of the three studs?
Common issue with 4 speed consolettes. Most of the time, the studs are broken off. On mine, I took three 8-32 machine screws and ground the heads down so they matched the contour of the consolette. Then I loosely screwed them to the chrome ring using nuts and used the ring as a makeshift template to locate the screws in the right spot. I dabbed a small amount of JB weld to the screws and placed the ring with the screws in place and let it dry overnight. Once everything was dry, I carefully removed the nuts and removed the chrome ring, leaving the three machine screws glued to the underside of the consolette in the exact spot they need to be in. After that, I mixed up some more JB and reinforced the base of the new mounting screws with it. once everything dried. I was able to mount my new boot and use some washers and nuts to secure the boot in place. You really cant make the nuts too tight, so I took a little clear silicone and gave each one a dab to prevent the nuts from working their way loose.
Did you get to a point where these shifter boot rings were made? Are you producing them --- and if so -- what is the cost? Or are they being sold through Year One, etc? Let me know --- I'm interested.
I made some, but I have not made any more. The parts place had them and at a good price for the upper. Not crazy over their lower, i would take my 3d printed one over that one any day but just my opinion. Let me know if you need help with any but the parts place would be the cheapest.
The Parts Place now has the upper ring on ebay, they did have the lower ring a little while ago as well. Not perfect but still usable if you have nothing else. eBay item number:272262297293
Did you ever get the shifter boot rings reproduced? Where might I find some and what would they cost?? Thanks for any light you can shed on this!
