Shift Boot Install - Correct Orientation

[gonzo]

What is the correct orientation of the rubber shift boot cover on an AH 3000 BJ-7 center shifter. There are only two ways in which it could be installed; bellows-facing-up from the trans cover or bellows-facing down into trans cover. And should the “stem” be facing the same direction as the bellows? It’s difficult to discern from any period photos and/or photos from restored Healeys, hence the silly question. Thanks in advance for any helpful or imaginative answers. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif GONZO

 

[tahoe healey]

I had the same delema. I did mine stem up so keep the dust and dirt under control. It won't stay up any way.

 

[Keoke]

Hi Gonzo. The shift boot should be installed with the little tit that fits around the gearshift lever pointing up.---Keoke

 

[John Loftus]

Period photos in the Geoff Healey book and the Chris Harvey book show the bellows with the center going down. The concours guidelines also state that, "This black rubber boot extends its bellows upwards, but the center goes down and unless the tunnel is mounted correctly, can obstruct the selection of 1st and 3rd. This was a factory design problem and many boots split when new and were replaced under warranty."

So, I guess the answer is the middle goes down but if you don't want problems shifting or splitting of the boot you should mount it upside down! How's that for an answer?!?

Cheers,
John

 

[gonzo]

Thanks Tahoe Healey, Keoke and John. The previous shift boot did split in the bellows up position, so I'll probably install it bellows down with the stem-thing in the up position so as not to interfere with shifting. If this looks awkward, then it'll be installed bellows up again. I wonder if that warranty is still good? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif GONZO.

 

[Keoke]

Hi All, It does not make any difference which way you put them in they will split over time and no shifting problems have been observed..---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif

 

[Randy Harris]

I think this is kind of funny actually. No matter how many Healey people you talk to, whether they are veterans or newbies, self-restorers or checkbook owners, everyone has the same issue and no one has a definitive answer. I've decided to mount mine wherever it is happiest - that is where it won't split or pull away from the mounting lip. At the moment that means bellows down and stem pointed up. I think they look pretty lousy no matter how you mount them and one of these days I'm gonna make a proper leather shift boot anyways. Randy '66 BJ8 /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

 

[Keoke]

OK Randy, thats allright with me. But those leathery things are called Gaitors I guess cause they eat up the hole.---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif