Redline shift boot, ebrake cover, and armrest installed... [Archive]

Hank3

01-13-2009, 11:27 AM

Got these in yesterday and I'm totally blown away by the quality and look of these. And my car smells super nice now with all this leather goodness. Major kudos to Maciek at Redline for his customer service and super fast turnaround time from Europe.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/Hank3/IMG_0068.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/Hank3/IMG_0071.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/Hank3/IMG_0076.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/Hank3/IMG_0072.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/Hank3/IMG_0069.jpg

Kain

01-13-2009, 11:32 AM

Awesome. I was debating getting the e-brake boot when I ordered my armrest cover. I might just get it after all.

How was the armrest cover install for you? I worked my fingers raw trying to stretch that bitch.

Hank3

01-13-2009, 11:36 AM

Haha...well thanks to you I knew going in to the armrest part it was going to be a bear to install. I saved it for last. I tried to install it a couple different ways at first, but eventually settled for wrapping it around the latch (front) first and working my way back. Tried it from the back first and it was going to be impossible. My fingers did get a workout for sure, but it was definitely worth it!

Kain

01-13-2009, 11:44 AM

You did a better job than me. Mine isn't completely straight in the back (which wouldn't bother a normal person because I would never see it, but I'm OCD and I know it's there), and I still have a wrinkle in my left front corner.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/ms3_10-06-08_03.jpg

I think when it gets warmer, I'm going to actually undo the clips for the armrest and reinstall the cover so the elastic is in the seam (open your cover and you'll see what I mean). Should make it fit even nicer and make it look more seamless when opened.

Hank3

01-13-2009, 12:00 PM

Kain

01-13-2009, 12:05 PM

Yeah, I noticed when I first saw your pic that there was a wrinkle on the front left. My back isn't completely flush, either, and since it was dark last night when I installed it, I didn't get a chance to look at the armrest cover closely to see how it can be taken off. I'm sure we can get it looking perfect it the cover came off. Do you have a how-to on taking off the armrest?

The best I found was some dude undid the clips that hold the top cover to to the hinged part. I believe it involves carefully removing clips and screws. I haven't attempted it yet.

Sport6

01-13-2009, 12:36 PM

These are very nice, I might have to add this to my list of stuff to buy.

c.smock

01-13-2009, 12:39 PM

do you have a link from where to buy?

Hank3

01-13-2009, 12:58 PM

Here's their sales thread (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123711217). Go to post #24 for the current discount code -valid through 1/14 - and there's still for free shipping going on.

RelliMS3

01-13-2009, 06:08 PM

i think these additions def add quality to the interior; however, my only thought is that it might be too much red stitching. what do you guys that installed both the boot and the armrest think?

Hank3

01-13-2009, 06:37 PM

IMHO, it completes the look of the interior really well.

RelliMS3

01-13-2009, 10:27 PM

I am definitely impressed with the matching to the stock leather and stitching

oaklandopen

01-13-2009, 11:07 PM

Hank3

01-13-2009, 11:11 PM

Mine has some wrinkles on the left leg from getting in and out. But I try to get in without touching the bolster as much as possible.

J-Villa

01-15-2009, 08:43 PM

i kinda think the armrest is a little too much...but i do like the shift and ebrake boot.

slightly off topic...how are everyones bolsters holding up? my driver seat outer leg bolster is starting to wrinkle, most likely from putting pressure on it getting in and out

both driver and pass. seat's are wrinkled in the bolsters... I just use conditioner once a week and try to ignore it

As for the covers... I gotta ask why u bought a shift boot that looks the same as the stock one? But I am digging the ebrake boot and arm rest!!!

Hank3

01-15-2009, 08:58 PM

I didn't like the look of the pleather OEM one. I know...it's just a boot. Just didn't like how it looked.

TKMS3

01-15-2009, 10:45 PM

I didn't like the look of the pleather OEM one. I know...it's just a boot. Just didn't like how it looked.

Does the leather of the redline match the oem shift boot or are the textures completely different?

Hank3

01-15-2009, 11:17 PM

The textures are completely different. The stock boot, to me, had a vinyl look and feel to it. The Redline, however, is soft and supple and has the texturing of leather like the bolsters.

SHAGwagn

01-16-2009, 11:37 AM

is yours a short throw shorter one? If so how much did you shorten it by. Looks really nice!

Hank3

01-16-2009, 11:38 AM

Nope - stock shifter :)

SHAGwagn

01-16-2009, 12:22 PM

thank you sirr. About how long did it take to get yours? Im leaving the country for a month next Friday and want to make sure i have it locked in my house before leaving instead of sitting in UPS's warehouse for a month.

Hank3

01-16-2009, 12:27 PM

Hmmm...they make them as the order is placed, so I would say after I confirmed that I wanted the order made, it took maybe 9-10 days for it to arrive at my doorstep. Really fast IMO. They send an email to you after the boots are shipped out, and even though they give a long shipping time estimate, for me and others, it arrived within a weeks time.

Red Blur

01-19-2009, 03:28 PM

Did the shifter boot come with that plastic ring were the top of the boot attaches to like on the oem one?

Hank3

01-19-2009, 03:41 PM

Nope - I used the existing one.

Red Blur

01-23-2009, 12:12 PM

When you installed the ebrake boot did you just slide it over the handle or did you remove the handle first?

Kain

01-23-2009, 01:34 PM

When you installed the ebrake boot did you just slide it over the handle or did you remove the handle first?

http://www.redlinegoods.com/Mazda3install.shtm

bacarl

01-23-2009, 02:27 PM

Goddam, those seats look nice, Kain. I love alcantara; I'm eternally jealous of you 09 guys.

i think these additions def add quality to the interior; however, my only thought is that it might be too much red stitching. what do you guys that installed both the boot and the armrest think?
What's you guys' take on the too-much-red-stitching? Does it seem like cheesy overkill in the car or tie together really nicely? I was on the verge of buying the whole hat trick, but my gf thinks that adding decorative stuff over top of stock stuff would look bad (kinda like adding a cheesy body kit to a tasteful exterior).

edit: fyi, the free shipping deal is thru the end of the month, and there is a new discount code for the rest of January.

Hank3

01-23-2009, 11:26 PM

To me, personally, it's not overkill because it looks OEM and seems like it may have come that way. I think a person who didn't know anything about Speed3s would think the same, too?

STRICK-

01-27-2009, 10:45 AM

it looks very nice. I ordered my armrest cover and shortened shift boot yesterday as well (drinks)

Hank3

01-27-2009, 10:56 AM

Post pics when you get them installed :)

leadf00t

01-27-2009, 11:43 AM

These are definitely on my to get list. I was looking at them a couple of months ago, but was waiting to see if someone got the whole set to see what it looked like. It is a very nice addition to the interior.

khoney

02-19-2009, 09:57 PM

Did you guys slip the elastic on the armrest cover between the cover and release latch in front? Seems like an awful lot of material to jam in there. FWIW, I also had an issue with the slits for mounting the shifter boot not being in the right location. I had to cut one of them on each side longer.

Hank3

02-20-2009, 12:53 AM

For my armrest install, the elastic is between the cover and release hatch. And it only goes one way. I worked it from the front to the back. The slits to my shift boot were spot on. A couple were a tight fit, but it stretched enough to fit snug.

STRICK-

02-23-2009, 08:07 PM

heres a few pics of my shift boot and armrest cover installed
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/striklymyn69/003-8.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/striklymyn69/007-7.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/striklymyn69/005-8.jpg

Hank3

02-23-2009, 08:51 PM

Sweet! Looks like you got a SS. Did the armrest go on easy for you? I have a slight crinkle in the back, but my front looks spot on :)

STRICK-

02-23-2009, 09:09 PM

thanks hank
yeah, i installed a TWM sts and bushings, as well as the boot/armrest at the same time. I dont have any wrinkles in the armrest cover too. It took me three times before i got it where i wanted it though

Hank3

02-23-2009, 09:11 PM

Yeah - it was pretty (not) fun installing that armrest piece. But well worth it though.

IKE=MS3 08.5

02-24-2009, 09:52 PM

Hank3: By any chance, is the picture of your console the one from the redline website. I swear they look the same. I know I am setting my self up for some smart ass comment from others here but the angle of the shot and everything looks like the one from the red line website.

Also: Sorry to thread hijack for a second but does anyone have the TWM short shift boot. I received it as a gift along with the ss for my birthday but I was wondering which is better or if anyone knew? I was looking into getting the redline because I hear the quality is nice. Thanks.

Hank3

02-24-2009, 10:42 PM

Yeah - Redline took the pic I took of the armrest I installed and put it on their Web site.

I know from what I've seen that the TWM shift boot is a different kind of leather. I haven't seen any close shots of it, but it doesn't seem like their leather pieces are textured. Some like smooth leather and some like textured. It's whatever floats your boat I suppose. Of course I can be totally wrong about TWM's piece. I believe their's is also cheaper in price so that could be a factor - not yours since yours was free :)

I can only speak of Redline's since that's what my brother has. Him along with many other people's experience with Redline prompted me to order from them. I couldn't be any happier.

IKE=MS3 08.5

02-24-2009, 11:23 PM

Thanks! I knew it was yours when I saw both pics, somewhat funny because I heard about redline from another thread went and looked and was about to post up a question about the e-brake boot and saw this one. I just thought damn that looks similar. Excellent install job by the way.

Do you have the Perforated leather or just the standard black? I think this thread has me sold on the set of three. Man so much stuff I want to get for this car and not enough funds. :)

Hank3

02-24-2009, 11:26 PM

I hear ya. It's a never-ending process. Right when you say you're done for a while with mods, then the mod bug starts churning inside you.

I have the standard black leather.

Pockets

03-03-2009, 05:54 PM

Looks nice. I'm a big fan of "factory +" mods like this which are subtle and enhance the overall look of the car. I can't stand some of the over-top-mods people have done to speed3's, a lot of them look ricey but this indeed looks classy.

IKE=MS3 08.5

03-04-2009, 11:22 AM

When you guys ordered your stitching color, did you get the JDM red? I know dumb questions because it is the only red option but I am curious what JDM stands for. Anyone?

If this is the color you guys got, I will be dropping the dollars today on these, sweet. The 18th of March(my day off) is a big day for my car.
New SS, with bushings
Hopefully all three of these covers
Tint
Oh Im excited.

Kain

03-04-2009, 11:25 AM

When you guys ordered your stitching color, did you get the JDM red? I know dumb questions because it is the only red option but I am curious what JDM stands for. Anyone?

If this is the color you guys got, I will be dropping the dollars today on these, sweet. The 18th of March is a big day for my car.
New SS, with bushings
Hopefully all three of these covers
Tint
Oh Im excited.

Yes, JDM Red is the closest match to factory stitching.

JDM = Japanese Domestic Market (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_domestic_market)

Hank3

03-04-2009, 11:27 AM

Yes, JDM Red is the closest match to factory stitching.

JDM = Japanese Domestic Market (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_domestic_market)

+1

IKE=MS3 08.5

03-05-2009, 10:10 AM

Yes, JDM Red is the closest match to factory stitching.

JDM = Japanese Domestic Market (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_domestic_market)

Hey thanks,
I read a little about JDM and I thought it was pretty cool how some of the cars (the GT-R) knows if you are at a race track and takes off the computer limited upper speed which is something that usually comes apart of JDM cars in Japan.

Anyway, I pulled the trigger and hopefully the boots and arm rest cover will be here soon.

I read in the upper post that you had some issues getting the arm rest on. Did you post anything about this that would be helpful to read? Or is it just something that you have to stretch the hell out of so it will go over the original arm rest?

Thanks

Hank3

03-05-2009, 10:14 AM

I would recommend doing it in warmer weather if possible. Nothing like trying to stretch leather in cold weather. That being said, there's not really any groundbreaking tips other than work from the front to the back. It might take a few times, but you just have to stretch/pull and tuck. I found it easier to sit in the center of the backseat while doing this - starting with the armrest up and then closing it while you stretch/pull it.

You'll get it faster than you think. I was pleasantly surprised at how quick it was being that it was coming from Europe.

SHAGwagn

03-08-2009, 11:39 PM

i did my lid from front to back like u guys suggested and did it in one try taking about 5-10 mins. Def worth the money, recommend ++++++

Hank3

03-09-2009, 08:42 AM

Sweet! Any pics? Any minor crinkles in the leather? Mine has a little bit in the back, but nobody has noticed.

Sawce

03-18-2009, 11:25 PM

IKE=MS3 08.5

03-18-2009, 11:38 PM

These interior touches really "finish" the car off. This has convinced me to make this my first mod.
The TWM short shifter is a close second and could be a tandem first mod.

Hank3, how does the TWM feel compared to the stock set up?
Is it notchy?
Tough to get through the shift gates/get into gear at all?

I think Hank3 has the stock shifter on, it was in a post a few pages back (i think 2). I am about to install mine this weekend, either friday, saturday or sunday depending on when i get some time to do it. Ill let you know what I think but if you search around everyone who does the twm loves it.
I just got in the redline goods today and they look great and feel great, cant wait to get them installed. Sweet

Hank3

03-19-2009, 12:04 AM

Sawce - Ike is correct in saying that my shifter is the OEM one. Sorry. But the Redline pieces are nice fo sho :)

Make sure you post pics, Ike!

hominemodi

03-19-2009, 03:24 PM

These interior touches really "finish" the car off. This has convinced me to make this my first mod.
The TWM short shifter is a close second and could be a tandem first mod.

if you're getting a short shifter then you should do the leathers mod second and order a custom fitted shifter boot from redline. for TWM it should be shorter by 1.8", which you specify when placing the order.

Sawce

03-19-2009, 08:38 PM

Thanks for the quick response fellas!

Ike- Definitely let me know how the install and operation is after you put the TWM SS in. Thanks for offering to do so.

walti

03-20-2009, 12:11 AM

Mines finally came in.

http://i42.tinypic.com/5kpy5e.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2vdinh0.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/311kgv6.jpg

dizzin9

03-20-2009, 01:34 AM

^

seems to be out of place, but looks ok i guess?

Hank3

03-20-2009, 08:40 AM

Walti - the piping looks sweet. Did you order a shorter shift boot? It looks like it's got extra material.

IKE=MS3 08.5

03-20-2009, 08:48 AM

Hank3-Just curious how hard it is to swap out the piece around the top of the shifter boot. (You use the stock one on the redline...corect?)Is there anything that I need that will hold this in place? I hope this makes sense. If not let me know and I will try to clarify what Im wanting to say.

Hank3

03-20-2009, 08:52 AM

I'm assuming you mean that black round plastic piece? If so, I had to peel the stock boot off of that first (it was glued on), and then what I did was place the tabbed part of the Redline boot on tha plastic piece - while keeping my fingers on it while screwing on the knob. Once you get the knob down far enough on the shfiter itself, the boot will stay in place. Then what I did was make sure there wasn't any bunching up of the boot and that none of the tabs were showing before finally making it tight. Hope that makes sense.

IKE=MS3 08.5

03-20-2009, 09:08 AM

Thanks, that makes sense

Hank3

03-20-2009, 09:11 AM

Cool - if you wanted to glue it I suppose you could do that, but the Redline boot is noticeably thicker and I, personally, did not want to potentially ruin the boot by putting glue on it.

Oldcabin

03-20-2009, 09:57 AM

IKE=MS3 08.5

03-20-2009, 10:01 AM

So I screwed up and ordered my shift boot to be 2.5" shorter, but after re-reading some threads I realized I should have ordered 1.8" shorter (2.5 is Mz3, 1.8 is MS3)........you think it will still fit okay, or be too tight?
I guess we'll soon find out...

Not to be picky but if you got the twm ss, I think you need to get it 1.75 shorter. Just say it in the notes. Also, I think if you just ordered it you can contact them. The company appears to be very helpful when I did business with them. Just give them a call if you just ordered.

Hank3

03-20-2009, 10:02 AM

Yeah...I'd like to think that even though you ordered the boot .7" shorter it should be fine. Because the stock one that they make still has a good amount of extra material. But like Ike said, contact them as they're super nice to deal with! They may have not started on making the boot yet. Regardless, post a pic when you get it :)

Oldcabin

03-20-2009, 10:10 AM

Yeah -- it's already been shipped:(
I'll give it a try, see how it looks.....if it looks awful their site said they'd be willing to work with me since red/black is a popular color combo -- hopefully I could exchange it and just eat the shipping fees or something.

Oldcabin

03-20-2009, 10:13 AM

.7 inches can't make that big of a difference right (tries to comfort himself)?

Hank3

03-20-2009, 10:29 AM

Yeah - I think it'll be fine. Either way, they'll want you to be a happy customer.

IKE=MS3 08.5

03-20-2009, 07:18 PM

Ok, Im a tad irritated right now but I know it will get fixed. I finished putting in the twm ss. And then i went to install the boot. I get it on and think....wow this looks like the same height as the stock boot. Then I went to look at my purchase order and it says...1.75 shorter, I think OK this should be the right one, let me compare the two. Well they sent me a stock height boot. So I am going to have to contact them and wait till I get the new one. Ill post some picks later tomorrow with the arm rest cover on and the e-brake. Also stay tuned for the ss shifter feel. I don't remember who asked but Ill look and pm you later tonight or tomorrow.

Hank3

03-20-2009, 09:22 PM

Oh man...what a big bummer. Email them and let them know. Looking forward to the pics of the other pieces though :)

IKE=MS3 08.5

03-23-2009, 12:56 AM

http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu143/ricejd2/IMG_2510.jpg
http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu143/ricejd2/IMG_2510.jpg
http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu143/ricejd2/IMG_2512.jpg
http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu143/ricejd2/IMG_2513.jpg
http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu143/ricejd2/IMG_2515.jpg

Here are the pics. Tell me what you guys think. Took me about 20 min to put that armrest on, wow my fingers still hurt.
I will post up a pic when my shift boot (the correct size comes in the mail).
Also the twm ss is very nice. I like the feel of it, obviously shorter throw. But the bushings make a huge difference. So if you are debating getting the ss, then get the bushings first and get the ss later, but I think its a worth while mod.

Hank3

03-23-2009, 08:43 AM

They look great, IKE. How well do you think the pieces match up? The stitching is a shade off, but I think it's hardly noticeable. The average folk won't notice :)

Glad to hear you had fun putting on the armrest, too! Has Redline replied to you yet regarding the shift boot yet?

IKE=MS3 08.5

03-23-2009, 12:07 PM

I haven't heard from them yet, Ill give them one more day and then email again or call.
I agree, the stitching is a tad off but, I have had one person in my car and she couldn't notice the difference. Also you cant tell in the pictures that its off. You have to get really close to see it. :) Im very pleased with this "mod"

Antonio DiMarco

04-01-2009, 06:00 PM

+1

What leather color did you guys pick to match the factory interior? Black, Medium Gray or Charcoal? Sorry but I could only find the stiching info in this thread but nothing about leather color. Thanks

Hank3

04-01-2009, 08:14 PM

Leather color is black. I had to think about that, too, before ordering. So I emailed them and found that in all of the Speed3 pics, it was black.

IKE - anything from them regarding the shift boot?

IKE=MS3 08.5

04-01-2009, 10:49 PM

Ive been talking with them for about a week now. I guess the "stock" shift boot that they have is actually about 1.5 in taller than the stock speed3 shift boot or at least my stock speed 3 boot. So they did sent me a shortened boot from theirs but not short for me, bummer. I took a photo of the stock, the one that they sent me (same size) and the shorten boot that came with my twm shifter (if you read my previous post, I got that as a gift with the twm, for anyone who is not following this). We compared all of them and decided that indeed this is the case. Anyway they are going to make me a new one and charge me 9 bucks to ship it. I guess that 5% discount I originally got is going to use now, lol. I will let you know when this all pans out and post some pics as soon as it comes in.

Oldcabin

04-01-2009, 10:58 PM

Interesting........maybe my boot will fit perfectly then -- if there stock sizes are larger than OEM stock......I received mine, but haven't installed yet (in the process of moving and a huge snow storm:()

Moody

04-01-2009, 11:00 PM

I dont really want the armrest or e-brake covers... i want your seats. i LOVE the leather and suede. i envy all who have them.

Kain

04-02-2009, 12:39 AM

Alcantara, not suede.

Renzokuken

04-02-2009, 01:10 AM

I didnt see a mazdaspeed 3 version, so I bought the one that said Mazda 3 04 and up. Hopefully its the same fit.

Hank3

04-02-2009, 08:36 AM

I didnt see a mazdaspeed 3 version, so I bought the one that said Mazda 3 04 and up. Hopefully its the same fit.

Yeah, that's the only/correct one to click on.

Ive been talking with them for about a week now. I guess the "stock" shift boot that they have is actually about 1.5 in taller than the stock speed3 shift boot or at least my stock speed 3 boot. So they did sent me a shortened boot from theirs but not short for me, bummer. I took a photo of the stock, the one that they sent me (same size) and the shorten boot that came with my twm shifter (if you read my previous post, I got that as a gift with the twm, for anyone who is not following this). We compared all of them and decided that indeed this is the case. Anyway they are going to make me a new one and charge me 9 bucks to ship it. I guess that 5% discount I originally got is going to use now, lol. I will let you know when this all pans out and post some pics as soon as it comes in.

OK, glad they're not ignoring you and treating you badly. Maybe this will help future customers.

Moody

04-02-2009, 11:53 AM

Alcantara, not suede.

lol. oops. still a newb here. please forgive me

IKE=MS3 08.5

04-02-2009, 05:12 PM

lol. oops. still a newb here. please forgive me

I know silly but part of the reason I got the GT model, I just liked the seats better.

Moody

04-02-2009, 06:08 PM

I would've gotten the GT model but i was still upside-down in my other car. ended up paying almost as much as a new MS6 for my MS3 Sport. But I had to have it.

Antonio DiMarco

04-02-2009, 06:14 PM

Leather color is black. I had to think about that, too, before ordering. So I emailed them and found that in all of the Speed3 pics, it was black.

IKE - anything from them regarding the shift boot?

I think I'll be pulling the trigger soon.

Hank3

04-03-2009, 08:45 AM

Sweet - post pics, Antonio!

Oldcabin

04-10-2009, 01:35 PM

Finally installed my TWM SS and Redline boots (haven't installed the center console boot yet -- it was too cold and my fingers couldn't take it).
When I ordered from Redline I mistakenly ordered 2.5" shorter rather than the correct 1.7" shorter -- can you tell? It may be a little tight in 4th & 6th, but I think I'll stick with it for awhile. Thoughts?
I also think I need to tweak the plastic clip for a tighter/cleaner joint between the boot and knob......but again, I'll save it for a warmer day.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x110/oldcabin/IMG_1752.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x110/oldcabin/IMG_1753.jpg
4th
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x110/oldcabin/IMG_1754.jpg
6th
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x110/oldcabin/IMG_1755.jpg

Hank3

04-10-2009, 01:55 PM

Sweet! The shifter boot looks like it may be stretched a little bit, but it looks like it'll be fine. Sure does look perfect when it's in neutral. Have fun getting the armrest on :)

Kain

04-10-2009, 02:08 PM

Get the 1.7".

Antonio DiMarco

04-15-2009, 08:52 PM

Sweet - post pics, Antonio!

I'm having a little bit of an issue with the armrest cover. Does it have a front or back or does it matter how you install it. I ask becasue the stiching isn't riding the edge of the wrmrest as nicely as the picts I see in this thread. The front kinda veers off to the left and right while the back has littlove handles on each side. I'm wondering if I installed it in reverse.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Hank3

04-15-2009, 09:04 PM

There is a front and back. The back has a steeper drop off and the front is a gradual slope down. Hope that makes sense.

Antonio DiMarco

04-16-2009, 02:58 PM

There is a front and back. The back has a steeper drop off and the front is a gradual slope down. Hope that makes sense.

Unfortunately I put it on backwards (it was late when I did it) and when I removed it I tore the elastic band from the leather. I have to sew it back tonight.

Dammit!

Kain

04-16-2009, 03:00 PM

Unfortunately I put it on backwards (it was late when I did it) and when I removed it I tore the elastic band from the leather. I have to sew it back tonight.

Dammit!

http://op-for.com/simpsons_nelson_haha2.jpg

Hank3

04-16-2009, 03:16 PM

Oh snap. You must've really put some gorilla strength into installing it. I know all of us who have put it on killed our fingers doing so, but wow. How bad is the damage? Any pics?

Wait - and you gots sewing skillz y0?

Kain

04-16-2009, 03:19 PM

Wait - and you gots sewing skillz y0?

Of course. How else is he going to fix the hem in his skirts?

p.s.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/ohsnapblack.gif

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/ohsnapwhite.gif

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/ohsnapcaptamerica.gif

Hank3

04-16-2009, 03:34 PM

http://i1.tinypic.com/xo1gtx.gif

Antonio DiMarco

04-16-2009, 05:32 PM

Of course. How else is he going to fix the hem in his skirts?

p.s.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/ohsnapblack.gif

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/ohsnapwhite.gif

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/ohsnapcaptamerica.gif

I don't wear Skirts they bunch up on me. :-)

The damage isn't horrible, just about 4 inches of elastic came apart. My wife is going to help me sew it tonight. I was going to just leave it as is but that would have annoyed the hell out of me everytime I opened the center console cubby. Plus it would have slowly spearated to the point where the whole elastic would have come off.

I was actually looking to figure out a way to separate the console cushion from the subframe and tuck the leather cover between the cushio and the subframe. But it looks like the cushion is affixed to the frame via a lip and channel that runs along the edge. Afraid if I pull it off I'll never get it back on. Or I'll break something.

Antonio DiMarco

04-16-2009, 05:36 PM

The best I found was some dude undid the clips that hold the top cover to to the hinged part. I believe it involves carefully removing clips and screws. I haven't attempted it yet.

I'd be interested in finding this and doing the same thing. Was it on another forum? DId the guy also buy the Redline products?

Hank3

04-16-2009, 07:49 PM

I'd be interested in finding this and doing the same thing. Was it on another forum? DId the guy also buy the Redline products?

Yes. On another forum. PM'd you.

Antonio DiMarco

04-17-2009, 07:07 AM

Yes. On another forum. PM'd you.

I'll read it tonight.

In the meantime my wonderful wife fixed the rip for me. Evidentally she didn't have a lot of faith in my sewing skills :-). I installed the armrest cover correctly last night.

I'll post picts this weekend.

Thanks again for the link.

Hank3

04-17-2009, 08:47 AM

OK. Cool. Looking forward to the pics :) Go wife!!!

Antonio DiMarco

04-17-2009, 12:49 PM

As I was driving around during lunch I realize that the upgraded leather boots and armrest make me want a new leather handle for the parking brake. The faux carbon fiber platic is sticking out like a sore thumb now. I got to think that it would be easy to extend the shift boot leather into a cylindrical cover for the handle. Wonder if Redline thought of this?

Hank3

04-17-2009, 01:13 PM

Don't know, but I'd imagine it would be hard to get a good fit with the e-brake button.

Antonio DiMarco

04-17-2009, 04:02 PM

Don't know, but I'd imagine it would be hard to get a good fit with the e-brake button.

Yeah that probably is too fine a shape to make out of hand-stitched leather.

Antonio DiMarco

04-17-2009, 06:59 PM

Sweet - post pics, Antonio!

Here are the reline goodies. Boots and armrest cover.

148162

148163

148164

148165

148166

Hank3

04-17-2009, 08:08 PM

Very nicely done, Antonio!!!! They look great - especially the armrest.

Antonio DiMarco

04-17-2009, 08:33 PM

Very nicely done, Antonio!!!! They look great - especially the armrest.

I'm happy the armrest came out despite the issues I had.

I tell ya I like the feel of the leather. Definitely an improvement over the stock boot.

Hank3

04-17-2009, 10:26 PM

So buttery and silky smooth. Top notch stuff!

bacarl

04-20-2009, 09:58 PM

...
I also think I need to tweak the plastic clip for a tighter/cleaner joint between the boot and knob......but again, I'll save it for a warmer day.
Got an installation question about that piece between the boot and knob. Mine's glued on - was everyone else's? It's pretty damn tough glue! Then to re-install with the new boot, did anyone re-glue it? Or does it just get squished in place when the knob screws on?

Hank3

04-20-2009, 10:21 PM

Yes. The stock boot is glued on to the plastic piece. Just peel the stock boot off. To re-install, I held the leather tabs from the Redline boot with my fingers on the plastic piece while screwing on the knob. Once the knob was making good contact with the leather tabs, I slipped my fingers out and tightened the knob in to its final position, while making sure all of the leather tabs were tucked in. Some other members have used washers that's the same diameter of the plastic piece.

Antonio DiMarco

04-21-2009, 07:16 AM

Got an installation question about that piece between the boot and knob. Mine's glued on - was everyone else's? It's pretty damn tough glue! Then to re-install with the new boot, did anyone re-glue it? Or does it just get squished in place when the knob screws on?

I'm OCD and had to glue it down again. So I used High temp glue.

Hank3

04-21-2009, 08:59 AM

Yeah - there's no wrong way to do it. All up to you. A few different methods have worked :)

Rock33w

04-25-2009, 09:02 PM

Just got mine installed...

Hank3

04-26-2009, 08:37 AM

Look great! Tweak the armrest cover a little more when your fingers recover :)

Rock33w

04-26-2009, 10:38 AM

yeah, I will. What a pain in the @$$, lol. It's worth it though.

Trambounet

05-27-2009, 01:44 PM

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and just bought a used 2008.5 GT. I first wanted to say thanks for all the valuable info that you guys post on this forum.

I got the redline shifter boot and armrest cover, and I think I have the armrest cover installed properly, but there seem to be a lot of *extra* leather under the front end of the armrest, which makes it impossible to close the armrest because some extra leather and the elastic band end up being bunched up under the latch. Do you guys have the same issue?

Thanks!

Hank3

05-27-2009, 01:54 PM

First, welcome :)

You'll probably have to re-install it so that the excess material will be pulled further back. There have been a few of us in this thread that have installed the armrest and didn't have the problem you have. I know it's kind of a pain to install, but make sure you have the piece oriented the right way and install it from the front, and then back.

Antonio DiMarco

05-27-2009, 06:15 PM

Trambounet

05-27-2009, 06:55 PM

Thanks. Here are some pics. It looks alright except that I can't close it. Is the seam of the elastic band supposed to be facing front or back?

I tried to turn it around but it just looks goofy.

Kain

05-27-2009, 07:47 PM

Um, you have to tuck it under the plastic handle, not over it. lawl.

Trambounet

05-27-2009, 08:13 PM

Yes thank you for your kind observation. This was just to show how much extra leather I have to tuck under the latch, hence preventing me from closing it.

Does it look like I put it backward?

Antonio DiMarco

05-27-2009, 08:47 PM

Yes thank you for your kind observation. This was just to show how much extra leather I have to tuck under the latch, hence preventing me from closing it.

Does it look like I put it backward?

When I put mine on backwards it was apparent because the back side had some vertical "love handles" along the curved edge because the overhang is cut narrower for the front edge.

Hank3

05-27-2009, 09:26 PM

Thanks. Here are some pics. It looks alright except that I can't close it. Is the seam of the elastic band supposed to be facing front or back?

I tried to turn it around but it just looks goofy.

You have it on correctly. Just tuck the leather between the latch and lid like Kain said.