Does anyone know where I can find a Clutch Equalizer Shaft Boot to fit '65-'66 Gran Sport? It also fits Manual Shift Wildcat Models 1964-1966. The Original Part Number is 1357843. Is anyone reproducing them? I could also use the Shift Lever Ball #1355954. Thanks, Doug
I see that Mark Ascher had a Post in Sept. 03 about reproducing these boots. But due to the Tooling cost it was shelved. I have a Non USA Company that I have had Buick Items reproduced thru & they are willing to give a Quote to do these Boots at a very resonable price I might add. My problem is I do not have a very usable donor for the sample as both of mine are cracked & split with pieces missing. Does anyone else have an interest in purchasing any of these if reproduced & does anyone have a Good Donor? Thanks, Doug 1965GSDOUG
I can't speak for everyone but i'd buy it. :TU: I can't wrap some bearlap around that thing!!!!:eek2:
I have a boot that could be used as a donor. Doug, send me a pm, or contact me over at www.65gs.com where there is a also a discussion about the boot. You can pics of my boot there as well. Thanks! Mark
Count me in for 6. I also have an excellent original that can be used for a pattern if it hopefully doesn't get destroyed in the process.
I may just take you up on your offer of an original boot. I would definately try to save yours as any R&D could be done on my Boot but size & fitting could be done from yours. If you PM me with your contact info I will be glad to call you. Thanks For your offer! Doug
Doug, I've got a boot to use as a model, I would like to send it to Frank McIntye as he has several other Buick parts he has repo'd. His 69 GS grill ans 65 steering wheel are very nicely done. I'll send my boot to him with some measurements and see how that goes. Ted
Ted, That sounds Great! I am also going to check with my source on a price to do them. Please keep us posted on the Price & turn around time. One way or another it seems we have enough interest in them so it is about time to just do it! I will also post my progress on this. Thanks, Doug 1965GSDOUG 1965 GS Conv. 3 Speed 1965 GS Thin Pillar Coupe (Old Black) 1965 Skylark Conv.
I need one two--I have never had one on my '65 GS 4-speed car--it was long gone when I got it. On a show car like mine, it doesn't hurt anything not being there since I put less than 400 miles a year on it, but I would like it to be there!
Well Folks here is my update on the Clutch Boots!!! I have received a Prototype of the finished product & it looks very good to me. I am now having Matt Menges compare it to a NOS Boot he has at which time I will give the Okay to have them done. I am still tossed up on the Quantity as to have 100-150 or 200 of them done. I am attaching Photos of the finished product. Any and all input would be great. Many thanks to both Matt & Mark Ascher for without their help this would not have happened. Thank You, Doug
Hi, Looks good, how does it fit, are they flexible enough to slip oner the equalizer and still retain there, I'd be interested in getting one at least maybe 2 for a spare also does anyone reproduce the ball on the bellhousing as mine like most is pretty chewed up Thanks, Jim
Jim, As I said I have sent it on to Matt for him to compare to the NOS Boot he has. I am waiting until I hear from him to give my okay to proceed with the rest. I sent a nearly new very Pliable Boot along with a used Cracked Boot for Sample. This Boot was made from Specifications taken from them. It does seem soft enough to be installed & yet retain its shape. To the best of my knowledge there was no Strap or Retainer to hold the Boot in place,but I may be wrong. I was thinking that GM's reason for this may have been to not trap & Dirt or Water inside which would tend to be not good for the components it was designed to protect. I have tried the Boot on my '65 GS & it fits very well. Once I give the Okay I expect to have the Boots in my possession for sale in + or - 6 Weeks. I will post here once that happens. I do not know of a source for the Ball but perhaps that will be next as I also could use one. Doug
Ted, I have heard back from Matt and I am in contact with the folks who are reproducing them about some very slight alterations to the fit & finish. I want to be sure that before I okay the project that it will indeed be an exact as possible product. Once I do okay it it will probably be another 4-6 weeks to have them in my possession. I will post any progress here. Thanks for your interest. Doug
