3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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Since I couldn't find one on how to change your shift boot, I thought I do one. Not that hard, takes only 10 minutes, but it does take more than thirty minutes if you need to sew it onto the existing shift boot frame if you want a flush fit.
Onto the DIY
Tools needed:
Flathead Screwdriver (tape the head to prevent cracking, scuffs, and scratching)
Sewing needle
Sewing Thread
Patience
Before installation
To take the cover off, slide the flat head screw driver in the gap at the spot where the arrow is pointing. Don't jimmy or force it out. Slowly, start pulling the cover out by lifting under the cover where the boot is (where the top arrow is pointing) while pushing the screwdriver up slowly. This will help unlock the clips that are caught on the holds. After you pulled half of it out, start pulling it towards you. This will free the cover completely for you.
As you can see, it's pretty much easy from here on. Just take the old boot out and put in the new.
But wait, it doesn't seem to sit flush and looks weird. This is where it gets tricky. Remember the old boot you took out? Don't throw it away. You will need the metal frame that supports the boot cover.
The old boot cover is simply just sewed around the metal frame giving it support and helping it sit flush with the cover on. You will need to cut the frame out to use it for your new cover (if it didn't come with a frame). Once you taken it out, in the same pattern, start sewing your new boot around the metal frame. (Sew it in one direction and then go the other direction for each side. This gives it a rigid support and prevents the boot from moving around the frame too much.
Depending on the material you have, it could be easy or harder. I bought a suede cover so it was extra hard to pierce the material. This is where patience comes. If you have a sewing machine that can do it, go for it. Remember. Real men sew their own crap! This is how mine looked after I was done. Not perfect but it won't be showing as the cover will cover your embroidery.
Now that you got some support for your boot and looks awesome! So go on and place it back in there. Just put the cover back the way you took it out. Push it in first and then snap it back in place. You might have to arrange the boot a bit to make it sit flush inside.
There you have it! The finished piece. It looks great and hey, you might of picked up a new hobby in sewing too!
instead of using a screwdriver, since its a manual, u can just stick your fingers between the boot and the trim where they meet up and pull the trim up that way
instead of using a screwdriver, since its a manual, u can just stick your fingers between the boot and the trim where they meet up and pull the trim up that way
I know, but this is a safer way to go if you don't want any of your clips to snap, especially if it's more than 13 years old.
Nice wrote up....Def looks clean....I would just get a couple of boots and find some frames in the junk yard and then they will be like a quick change boot....lmao....esp bcuz a lot of people change up their shift knobs more than they change their skivvies....
__________________ Finally Red MKII MR2 5s & Metallic Blue 96 Cam 1MZ
Watch out for the build thread!!!
IM BAAAAAACK!!!!!!!
I guess the boot frame is specific to the manual trans only. Till date I havent found any manual trans at Pick n Pull. I kind of agree with Chris, it would be hard to find.
__________________ 1995 Camry DX L4 178,6XX miles and counting each mile.... acquired 05/25/2007 at 129K miles
2004 Mazda6 I4 5-Speed Manual 115,500 miles acquired 01/21/2011 at 109,XXX miles
you could probably make your own with some really thick solid steel wire.. it just has to be pretty much rectangular and the same size.
actually i think the frame is supposed to be clipped onto the bottom of the trim. because mine is. my trim and boot pulls out at the same time.
Yeah mine is too.
If you look at the Gen 3 & 3.5 Stock boot, there are plastic tabs that were used to lock the boot onto the trim. These break when replacing the boot bcuz the boot & trim seem to be one piece...
__________________ Finally Red MKII MR2 5s & Metallic Blue 96 Cam 1MZ
Watch out for the build thread!!!
IM BAAAAAACK!!!!!!!
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Crapmry
DIY How in change your shift boot (Gen 4)
Remember. Real men sew their own crap! This is how mine looked after I was done. Not perfect but it won't be showing as the cover will cover your embroidery. 
95 Camry
AUTO to MANUAL Swap Guide (3rd Gen) - 
I4 5-Speed Manual 115,500 miles acquired 01/21/2011 at 109,XXX miles
Linear Mode
