How to Install a Premium Leather Shift Boot on an 05-09 Mustang GT, V6

1. First begin by removing the shift knob by twisting the knob counter-clockwise to loosen. You can hold on to the old shift boot with your hand to prevent it from spinning while you do this.

2. Next, separate the shift boot from the shift knob by pulling on the boot and remove from the grooved channel in the knob.

3. Now just pull up on the outside of the shift boot frame, it can be done easily without any tools. Be careful not to damage any of the tabs that clip it in place.

4. The shift boot is glued to the plastic frame from the factory. You can use a small screwdriver to pry the boot over the tabs, and slowly peel the old vinyl boot away to separate.

5. You will want to clean the glue residue off the plastic frame so that the new glue will stick to it. Brake cleaner works great along with a screwdriver or scraper to scrape it off.

6. The O-ring that secures the boot to the shift knob will have to be re-used; it is glued into place on the inside of the boot. After separating the glued sections, lift the O-ring up and set aside.

1. Begin by fitting the new shift boot into the frame by inserting the slots in the leather into the tabs in the frame. You may have to use a razor blade to make the slots a little longer to fit.

2. After you are happy with the fitment of the slots and tabs, remove the shift boot to apply a light layer of glue to the top and bottom of the plastic frame. Use glue sparingly, as excessive amounts can distort the leather.

3. Re-attach the new shift boot onto the frame by inserting the tabs into the slots again, and apply a small dab of glue on the bottom side of each corner. Then fold the excess leather over and attach a clamp if desired to make a nice-looking corner.

4. Turn the leather boot inside out, and slide the O-ring through the top and apply glue to the edges and fold over like how it came from the factory on the old boot.

5. Now turn the boot back inside out, and attach the shift knob (or shift knob retainer if you bought an aftermarket knob like me) by slipping the groove around the leather covered O-ring (blue circle). Since the new leather is thicker, this can be tricky but if you work it, it can be done.

6. You can now re-install the frame with new boot onto the shifter. Thread the shifter (or retainer) onto the shifter until tight, and clip the frame into place. Enjoy the new look of your interior!