I put the backup switch mount in my 58 today, but I am confused by the shift boot. There was not one on the truck when I got it and I don't seem to have any holes in my transmission cover.
How does it attach? I can't find any info on it in my FAM. The closest thing I can find in the Shop Manual says to "slide the mast jacket grommet in position and install the retainer screws", but there is not a mast jacket grommet on the exploded diagram.
I can't seem to figure out how the boot is supposed to attach.
Based on the LMC image, I think that the rectangular seal goes between the top of the transmission and the bottom of the transmission cover.
Does the flange on the shift boot also clamp there? Or maybe I have a wrong cover that doesn't have the mounting holes?
Jason, I did a little digging and from what I can figure out, the TF trucks didn't have a "shifter boot" style seal that was installed over the shifter lever itself. Maybe just an aftermarket item someone designed to improve the appearance? The only seal I could find in the FAM, Master Parts Books and Shop Manual describe the foam seal that goes on the top of the shifter tower and is sandwiched between the transmission and underside of the transmission access cover. If you decide to use the LMC "boot", maybe fab up a trim ring to match the outer perimeter of the boot that covers the boot and the opening and secure with self tapping sheet metal screws.
EDIT: This conversation may be better continued in the Interiors forum?
Last edited by Gdads51; 11/24/20234:16 PM. Reason: add note
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
That is the conclusion I ended up coming to as well. I settled on a later model square accordian style boot that is tall enough to clear the new switch assembly.
I will post pics when I get it installed. I wasn't happy with any of the switches I had on hand, so I ordered one online to try.
I've always used a marine-grade brass push button starter switch in that application. It's WAY overkill amperage wise, but it should last about 3 days past forever. The Mr. Gasket accordion shifter boot with a chrome trim ring that holds it to the floorboard with sheet metal screws looks good, and it's easy to install. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
I installed a nice leather boot with chrome trim on the brownie lever. Last summer, the mice ate a hole in it and it's NLA so I guess I'll have to patch it.
1951 3800 1-ton "Earning its keep from the get-go" In the DITY Gallery 1962 261 (w/cam, Fenton headers, 2 carbs, MSD ign.), SM420 & Brown-Lipe 6231A 3spd aux. trans, stock axles & brakes. Owned since 1971.
Hello, I was wondering how you would cover that switch. Mine (59) with trans brake does not have holes for a upper boot. I think the square foam would be glued under the floor pan I had a lmc boot cover # 2 on pg 57 that is about 4" high and 3" dia. think it fits snugly on the shift rod and moves with it may be big enough to cover the sw. That sw is off a 63 gmc maybe they used something different. good luck Tom
I will post up pics when I get it finished. I got a larger accordian style boot for it. The first switch I ordered wasn't right and the replacement got delivered today.
If I can get off work on time, hopefully I can get it in/tested today.
Just a little out-loud thinking. 
