Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-22-2021, 03:28 PM   #1
beavercars
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 109
Default rubber boots

I have been told that the rubber boots for both the shift lever and the brake lever are not stock equipment...however, virtually all the Model A parts dealers carry them...what is the real story about these items? I want to make sure that my Model A's are correct for judging....thanks
beavercars is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2021, 03:58 PM   #2
J Franklin
Senior Member
 
J Franklin's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 5,947
Default Re: rubber boots

They were a common after market accessory. used on many other cars also. I don't know if their presence would affect judging.
J Franklin is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 11-22-2021, 04:46 PM   #3
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,472
Default Re: rubber boots

My cars are drivers so show considerations don't count. I have given up on those boots because they crack and tear quickly and easily. IMO, they are junk just like so many other "improvements".
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2021, 04:51 PM   #4
eagle
Senior Member
 
eagle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Eagle Bend, MN
Posts: 2,025
Default Re: rubber boots

I put them on my car probably 10 years ago and they haven't cracked or deteriorated at all that I can tell. I got mine from Mac's. The ones I got are pretty thick rubber, thinner would be better as they are a bit stiff. The shifter boot is OK but the brake lever boot lifts the carpet some when the brake is applied.
__________________
"There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."
eagle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2021, 04:52 PM   #5
CatMan1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Pella, IA
Posts: 326
Default Re: rubber boots

This is interesting to read because I was just thinking about getting a floor mat and also these boots. If I don't use the boots how to I keep the engine heat out in the summer?
CatMan1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2021, 05:50 PM   #6
Y-Blockhead
Senior Member
 
Y-Blockhead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,817
Default Re: rubber boots

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
Originally Posted by eagle View Post
I put them on my car probably 10 years ago and they haven't cracked or deteriorated at all that I can tell. I got mine from Mac's. The ones I got are pretty thick rubber, thinner would be better as they are a bit stiff. The shifter boot is OK but the brake lever boot lifts the carpet some when the brake is applied.
I agree with Eagle. I have never had one crack or any other issue. I have the S/S retainers so mine are screwed to the floor. But as mentioned, mine is a driver. I don't think they were original, especially like mine.

I also used a parking brake retainer for my Mitchell shifter.

They do help seal out heat and oil IMO.


Y-Blockhead is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2021, 06:49 PM   #7
Incognito-A
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 210
Default Re: rubber boots

Quote:
Originally Posted by beavercars View Post
I have been told that the rubber boots for both the shift lever and the brake lever are not stock equipment...however, virtually all the Model A parts dealers carry them...what is the real story about these items? I want to make sure that my Model A's are correct for judging....thanks
Only the earliest left hand brake cars used a boot on the brake lever. You should get a current copy of the Judging Standards and Restoration Guidelines if you want to be correct for judging.
Incognito-A is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2021, 08:25 PM   #8
clifforddward
Member
 
clifforddward's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Posts: 80
Default Re: rubber boots

Each will have their opinion, but for me I prefer to stick to the stock configuration for things like these rubber boots...since not original from Ford factory they are not for me...but I won't criticize those that like to use them...there are many items that can be added to our Model A Fords...that is the beauty of the hobby!
clifforddward is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2021, 08:31 PM   #9
J Franklin
Senior Member
 
J Franklin's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 5,947
Default Re: rubber boots

Get the seamstress to whip you up some imitation leather ones! My rubber ones are old-old but are in good condition. Maybe there were some batch or age deficiencies with the rubber. Or old Argentinian stock. Never know. Anyone remember Rick's packs?

Last edited by J Franklin; 11-22-2021 at 08:38 PM.
J Franklin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2021, 04:32 AM   #10
ericr
Senior Member
 
ericr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,542
Default Re: rubber boots

didn't the original floormats have some of reinforcement around the gear shift and emergency brake?
ericr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2021, 12:48 PM   #11
Don S
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Penticton British Columbia Canada
Posts: 243
Default Re: rubber boots

Interesting info for judging purposes, rubber pedal covers and spare tire covers are to be removed prior to judging. So you can use them just don't show them .
Don S is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2021, 08:49 PM   #12
J Franklin
Senior Member
 
J Franklin's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 5,947
Default Re: rubber boots

Quote:
Originally Posted by Don S View Post
Interesting info for judging purposes, rubber pedal covers and spare tire covers are to be removed prior to judging. So you can use them just don't show them .
Maybe they need to be removed to show the condition of the item they were covering.
J Franklin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2021, 11:04 AM   #13
redmodelt
Senior Member
 
redmodelt's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 6,339
Default Re: rubber boots

Quote:
Originally Posted by CatMan1 View Post
This is interesting to read because I was just thinking about getting a floor mat and also these boots. If I don't use the boots how to I keep the engine heat out in the summer?
Open the windshield just enough to force air down, that is why there are holes behind the trim piece, and roll down the windows.
__________________
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!
redmodelt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2021, 03:29 PM   #14
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,472
Default Re: rubber boots

Quote:
Originally Posted by redmodelt View Post
Open the windshield just enough to force air down, that is why there are holes behind the trim piece, and roll down the windows.
I do similar but don't wind the windows down. I figure that by leaving them up, I am creating positive air pressure in the cabin, thus forcing air out through the gaps where the hot air would come in.
To keep us warm on a cold day, I open the side windows a little and close the windscreen to encourage the hot air in.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2021, 07:40 AM   #15
Bob-A
Senior Member
 
Bob-A's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Central FL, USA
Posts: 1,136
Default Re: rubber boots

Some years ago on greedBay a guy was selling leather shifter boots. For an MG or some other sports cars. The price was right so I bought four black ones, he had them in different colors. The look and fit on the shifter is great. To fit the e-brake handle I had to open up the top of the boot a little to fit over the top of the push button finger hold. Maybe not stock, but sure does look good and the god of "era correct" was satisfied.


Bob-A
Bob-A is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2021, 10:27 AM   #16
old ugly
Senior Member
 
old ugly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: alberta canada
Posts: 585
Default Re: rubber boots

the rubber boots look nice and are popular but i know nothing of judging standard.

for me i don't have them the floor mat fits nice around the shift tower and looks ok. the park brake has gaps but is not an eyesore. seams im taking the mats and boards out alot these days so it is also easier.
__________________
old ugly

my old father-in-law told me. "listen close when people tell you how to do stuff they may know something. then do it the way you want."
old ugly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2021, 10:33 AM   #17
Y-Blockhead
Senior Member
 
Y-Blockhead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,817
Default Re: rubber boots

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob-A View Post
Some years ago on greedBay a guy was selling leather shifter boots. For an MG or some other sports cars. The price was right so I bought four black ones, he had them in different colors. The look and fit on the shifter is great. To fit the e-brake handle I had to open up the top of the boot a little to fit over the top of the push button finger hold. Maybe not stock, but sure does look good and the god of "era correct" was satisfied.

Bob-A
Bob, do you have a picture of your boots? I bet they look nice.
Y-Blockhead is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2021, 12:07 PM   #18
Utopia Texas
Senior Member
 
Utopia Texas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Brookshire & Cat Spring,Texas
Posts: 222
Default Re: rubber boots

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
I agree with Eagle. I have never had one crack or any other issue. I have the S/S retainers so mine are screwed to the floor. But as mentioned, mine is a driver. I don't think they were original, especially like mine.

I also used a parking brake retainer for my Mitchell shifter.

They do help seal out heat and oil IMO.


How do you get into the bathroom with the door knob missing?😊
Utopia Texas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2021, 01:27 PM   #19
Y-Blockhead
Senior Member
 
Y-Blockhead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,817
Default Re: rubber boots

Quote:
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas View Post
How do you get into the bathroom with the door knob missing?😊
Haha, I put the Model A shift knob on the bathroom door. The missus doesn't care much for it tho.

Actually I got that knob from my Grandma ~55 years ago. I have a purple one also. I don't know where she would get all these door knobs but she used to collect them and put them in her window sills so the sun would sparkle in them.
Y-Blockhead is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:46 AM.