Gear Lever Gaiter Replacement!

[Tim Billings]

Hi,

Has any member replaced the gear lever gaiter on their Cappu with a leather aftermarket item. Unfortunately the original gaiter on mine has becomed holed through wear. Any ideas or contacts would be gratefully received.

Cheers

Tim

[Adrian Furniss]

Tim,
Mine was similarly holed and I made a replacement myself using some vinyl from a local haberdashery. The result is excellent, though I say it myself.

If you are interested, I can send you a copy of my template, which is a triangle with a tab at its apex. (Cut 4-off).

You will need the following:

1. Tools to remove the centre console.
2. Small screwdriver and pliers to remove diaphragm collets with which the gaiter is held in position underneath.
3. Cloth backed Vinyl - about 0.5 m square.
4. Scissors
5. Sewing machine
6. Impact adhesive (e.g. Evostick)

I may have forgotten something small, but these are the essence of it.

Took me about a day including making up the template from the old gaiter and trying it out on a piece of scrap material; therefore about half a day. Anyone remotely practical could do it.

I did my handbrake gaiter the following day; this is a bit trickier but still eminently possible.

If I were doing the job again, I would try to find a lightweight vinyl like the original. The material I found is slightly thicker, which matters little for the gear gaiter, but is slightly too unyielding for the handbrake.

Icidentally, I chose a blue vinyl to coordinate with the car's bodywork.

So, please ask if you would like the template. (Send address via Private Message).

Adrian