Guys, I've just taken delivery of a new leather gear gaiter from a kind German who offered it for sale on e-bay but unfortunately his fitting instructions are in an English dialect which is totally alien to me. Any advioe on removing existing gaiter and fitting the new one would be very welcome.
All change
- Thread starter rob16v
- Start date
Peter Empson
PCGB Member
Hi Rob,
I've only recently done mine, so I think I can remember the procedure.
To remove the gearlever:
-pull upwards on the folds of leather at the base of the old gaiter, this will release it from the console. There's a large plastic trim to keep its shape at the very bottom which you will need to keep and reuse.
-halfway up the gearlever there is a clip that holds the knob in place which you need to remove. The whole assembly should now come away from the car.
-Remove the plastic cap (with the gear positions marked on it) from the top of the lever. Very carefully use a thin screwdriver or similar for this.
To fit the new gaiter:
-push the gearknob into the gaiter from underneath, I've read some people use vaseline to make it easier but I didn't as I'm not that kinky. It is hard work and you need to make sure the seam is straight.
-Gather the top of the leather in the cut out for the plastic cap, I seem to remember my instructions suggested using a little glue to hold it in place, but I didn't. It's very important to take your time doing this as otherwise you'll get uncomfortable creases. When you're happy push fit the cap in place.
-The rest is just the reverse of above, the large plasctic trim goes back in with the elastic edge of the gaiter around the outside of it.
I hope I've not forgotten anything. Mine went ok, but I know I could do it better next time!
Best regards,
Peter.
I've only recently done mine, so I think I can remember the procedure.
To remove the gearlever:
-pull upwards on the folds of leather at the base of the old gaiter, this will release it from the console. There's a large plastic trim to keep its shape at the very bottom which you will need to keep and reuse.
-halfway up the gearlever there is a clip that holds the knob in place which you need to remove. The whole assembly should now come away from the car.
-Remove the plastic cap (with the gear positions marked on it) from the top of the lever. Very carefully use a thin screwdriver or similar for this.
To fit the new gaiter:
-push the gearknob into the gaiter from underneath, I've read some people use vaseline to make it easier but I didn't as I'm not that kinky. It is hard work and you need to make sure the seam is straight.
-Gather the top of the leather in the cut out for the plastic cap, I seem to remember my instructions suggested using a little glue to hold it in place, but I didn't. It's very important to take your time doing this as otherwise you'll get uncomfortable creases. When you're happy push fit the cap in place.
-The rest is just the reverse of above, the large plasctic trim goes back in with the elastic edge of the gaiter around the outside of it.
I hope I've not forgotten anything. Mine went ok, but I know I could do it better next time!
Best regards,
Peter.
Knob's all tucked up, no wrinkles and a very satisfying result. As Peter said, take your time and don't rush things. Leather on the new gaiter doesn't have same buttery feel as the old one but that might come with age and loving care. Oh, and I got the rubbers on just right. Thanks, Fen.
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