Changed my shifter and added shift boot

[JayTA98]

I wanted to get the boot and shifter from the grand am. I got it from a junk yard along with 4 horns for $13 bucks.

I kinda like but I think is too big. I want to the get ball looking one with the adapter that makes it push in. I like the boot.

[c5z28]

What year Grand-am? I did something similar with just the leather boot.

[justinmc978]

I like the boot but not the shifter..

[JayTA98]

I like the boot but not the shifter..

yeah i kinda feel you on that one. I'm going to see if I can get the ball looking. Do you know where can I order that one from? The boot is from a 99 grand am.

[JayTA98]

I'm feeling this way is better. What you guys think?

[justinmc978]

wipe the oil stain off the boot and yeah, 'T' handle is definately the best,

[JayTA98]

wipe the oil stain off the boot and yeah, 'T' handle is definately the best,

I tried cleaning the stain off but it looks like the gray fade off. I'm trying to get a new or better boot I have to keep an eye in the junk yard. I'm not having any luck looking for the MBA shift knob. I find some nice ones on ebay but I don't know the adapter size needed.

[Fatfu]

Are you talking about the adapters afterthoughtsauto.com sells? If so it looks like they have them for $21.95.

By the way, the boot looks great. I think I will have to find one too. What do you need to do to make it fit?

[BLK2KSS]

I'm feeling this way either but i think is better than the other one. What you guys think?

I like it a lot man... way better with the T handle

[JayTA98]

By the way, the boot looks great. I think I will have to find one too. What do you need to do to make it fit?

Is pretty simple to do. i took pics. i will do a small write up for you.

[Fatfu]

Is pretty simple to do. i took pics. i will do a small write up for you.

That would be cool. Thanks for the help!!

[c5z28]

What year Grand-am?

[Fatfu]

I believe he said it was a 99.

[JayTA98]

I believe he said it was a 99.

I believe 97-01 fits fine. I'm going to the junk yark tomorrow again to see if I find a better looking boot. This one the gray shaded out. If not I can try to dye it. I want to check that VHT vinyl dye. But it will be cheaper and easier just to find another boot.

[c5z28]

How did you get the leather to stick to the console? I used a glue gun with medial results.

[c5z28]

The one I jerry rigged

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129901

[JayTA98]

Ok this is how i did the boot. Get the boot from a grand am 97-01.

Pull the E brake and remove the U shape clip in front of the shifter. Pull the shifter out.

Open the arm rest compartment. Remove the coin holder by pulling it up. There is 2 bolts (8mm I think) remove those. Push the white piece down in the shifter and shift to Drive (you can shift lower if clearance is needed). This will allow room to pull the console out.

Start pulling the console from the back were the bolts were until the 2 side clips snap out. Reach under the console, twist and remove the light socket for the shift indicator.
Also snap out the power connector from the cigarette lighter outlet, it has taps on the sides.

Slowly work the console until it comes out.

Flip the console over and you will see there is 4 bolts holding the shifter indicator assembly remove those.

Take the assembly out and remove the black plastic slide pieces that cover the shifter shaft. Leave the one that has the hole in it as it is need for the indicator to work.

Grab the boot and use pliers to square out one of the side, this side will be facing to the front of the car.


Bend the center base curved to the shape of the console.

Feed the boot thru the hole. Make sure the square side fits nicely between the plastic taps.


Make sure the vinyl of the boot is as flat as possible at the base of the console. Now put back the shift indicator white assembly back and put the 4 bolts back.

Test the piece of plastic with the hole and make sure it slides with no trouble.

[JayTA98]

Put the light bulb socket back and the cigarette plug back on the console.


Put the shifter shaft thru the black plastic piece and thru the boot. Make sure that the console fits nicely back in place. Put the 2 bolts that secure the console in the arm rest compartment. Put the coin holder back. Put the T shift knob back and it's U shape clip.

Test out that the shifter shifts nicely and the indicator works. If the shifter is getting stuck in Park or 1st gear you have to recheck the base of the boot and make it flater. That's it enjoy. Sticky it you want moderators.

[transamgirl89]

Thanks for posting this! I need to get one cause I'm so tired of hearing those plastic pieces rattle all the time!

[Fatfu]

Great write up. I guess I will be at the wrecking yards this weekend!!