 427SS65
DECEASED MODERATOR RIP Tom
Posts: 14735
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Reg: 12-11-03
|
02-08-11 09:22 PM - Post#2043989
Here are some pictures of the reproduction boot Bill (vet65b) had sent to me. Thanks to you, Bill for letting me have a look at it, and present it to the forum. I'm sure everyone is interested in this part - whether they have an SS or not. This product is very exciting for those in need of a new boot for their 65 SS cars! It's been a long time coming.
My first impressions of this boot are good. The consistency and weight of the molded rubber is very similar to the original.
As with any copy, the finer details are slightly lower in quality than the original, but overall, quite good. The finish is more shiny than the original which will be obvious to anyone who knows what an original one looks like.
The area that slips over the Muncie shifter handle rod is kind of rounded on the top of the opening, where the original is trimmed flat on the top of the rubber.
The rubber has no apparent odor like most imported rubber products, so your car's interior will not smell like it was made overseas!
Rough casting flashings are apparent on the outside of the boot but these will be of no consequence because they will be inside the console and won't be seen.
Although I can't take my console apart to mount this baby up, I trust that it's size is accurate. It looks like the upper console trim holes are in the right place and the correct number of "hump" holes are in the lower rubber flange.
There is the GM part number cast on the inside of the boot with the part number 3860109 and the obligatory MADE IN USA added on the top of the lower flange using a Dymo tape labeler.
All in all, I will give this part a 4.5 out of 5, with the slight deduction for the shiny finish. Perhaps some rubber cleaner could be applied that would dull the finish to make it look original. I have some TEAC Rubber Cleaner that I used in my electronics shop to remove the glaze on tape recorder rubber drive parts, but will not try it on this boot since it does not belong to me.
Kudos to the people who took it upon themselves to get this done for the rest of the hobby. This is a much needed part, albeit it slightly expensive. Their costs need to be recouped and a profit made. That's what it's all about!
My partner looked at it today and asked me if it would fit his 67 Chevelle SS396. I told him to get his own parts!
I will post the company name and pertinent info after I get to work tomorrow. The invoice is sitting on my desk!
Now, if I could only find Bill's address...
Enjoy!
Edited by 427SS65 on 10-31-14 09:09 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
|
427SS65
DECEASED MODERATOR RIP Tom
Posts: 14735
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Reg: 12-11-03
|
02-09-11 09:10 AM - Post#2044167
In response to 427SS65
David Smith
The Classic Chrome Company
1639 Shadwell
Barnhart, MO 63012
(314) 803-7971 Bud Ulrich
(314) 607-1901
|
 ss3964spd
"6th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 4622
Loc: Fairfax, Va
Reg: 12-21-00
|
02-09-11 10:23 AM - Post#2044202
In response to 427SS65
Nice, but I question if it is correct for a '66 because, from what I can tell, '66 SS's had two separate boots; upper and lower.
I have no idea if the upper boot in my '66 is original - it came with the car. I have had it out a number of times though and there is no way it was ever part of a lower boot. Also, the car has what is left of the lower - including the steel ring, and there's no sign that it was ever part of the upper.
Which brings up a question. Since my original lower is shot (I'm making due with a generic boot) is anyone reproducing the '66 SS lower?
Dan
Dan
If I recall correctly my memory is excellent. My ability to access it is not. |
|
427SS65
DECEASED MODERATOR RIP Tom
Posts: 14735
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Reg: 12-11-03
|
02-09-11 11:48 AM - Post#2044240
In response to ss3964spd
Sorry, Dan, it is 65 only. That's what I get for doing that so late in the evening!
|
ss3964spd
"6th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 4622
Loc: Fairfax, Va
Reg: 12-21-00
|
02-09-11 01:06 PM - Post#2044275
In response to 427SS65
No worries Tom, after typing up .02 worth I started to think you'd probably committed a typo!
Dan
If I recall correctly my memory is excellent. My ability to access it is not. |
|
427SS65
DECEASED MODERATOR RIP Tom
Posts: 14735
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Reg: 12-11-03
|
02-09-11 01:11 PM - Post#2044280
In response to ss3964spd
Your signature line pretty well sums it up. Very concise!
I'm surprised there aren't more comments as of yet...
|
vet65b
"13th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 713
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Reg: 02-09-06
|
02-10-11 12:20 PM - Post#2044758
In response to 427SS65
Tom,
Glad to hear this is a good reproduction. No hurry returning it to me as I am months away from needing it.
Bill
Bill Wilhelm
1965 Impala SS
1966 Corvette, ordered for my 23rd. birthday |
|
bulkhed
"12th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 101
Loc: Calif.
Reg: 04-20-04
|
02-10-11 04:55 PM - Post#2044886
In response to 427SS65
Great Review Tom
Note on your observation of the hole for the shifter handle being rounded instead of flat.
I still have my original boot which I'm getting ready to re-install and it has the rounded top.
I"ll probably just pick one of these up in case my rubber one finally bites it down the road.
I too would try and find a way to dull the finish.
|
Takeitapart
Forum Newbie
Posts: 72
Age: 56
Loc: CT
Reg: 03-13-11
|
05-09-11 05:42 PM - Post#2087995
In response to 427SS65
Thanks for the review!
I believe this is the one now on ebay?
Been looking at it for a while, as i currently have the dash & console on my 65 torn apart.
Anyone know if the price will come down?
300.00 is pretty steep for what it is.
thanks!!
|
427SS65
DECEASED MODERATOR RIP Tom
Posts: 14735
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Reg: 12-11-03
|
05-09-11 09:25 PM - Post#2088089
In response to Takeitapart
Contact the people at the phone number listed above. They sold the one in the pic for $185 + shipping.
Welcome to ChevyTalk! (don't know your name)
|
Takeitapart
Forum Newbie
Posts: 72
Age: 56
Loc: CT
Reg: 03-13-11
|
05-10-11 11:06 AM - Post#2088265
In response to 427SS65
Thanks, Dan.
My name is Bill.
|
427SS65
DECEASED MODERATOR RIP Tom
Posts: 14735
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Reg: 12-11-03
|
05-10-11 02:41 PM - Post#2088321
In response to Takeitapart
OK, Bill. My name is Tom!
Let me know what they are selling it for - if it's changed.
|
Takeitapart
Forum Newbie
Posts: 72
Age: 56
Loc: CT
Reg: 03-13-11
|
05-12-11 08:40 AM - Post#2089099
In response to 427SS65
Hey Tom,
Just talked to Classic Chrome & ordered a 4 spd boot for 185.00. 
They are the same ones as are on ebay for 300.00.
Their next project is the black bottom piece at the back of the console, same one I broke!
Should be available in about a month.
Bill
|
427SS65
DECEASED MODERATOR RIP Tom
Posts: 14735
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Reg: 12-11-03
|
05-12-11 11:39 AM - Post#2089176
In response to Takeitapart
Cool - thanks for the update, Bill!
|
docpete
Senior Member
Posts: 425
Loc: Illinois
Reg: 12-20-04
|
07-16-11 08:50 PM - Post#2114860
In response to 427SS65
can someone please explain to me what about that rubber boot costs $300? why can't someone just cast these and sell them for $30? Just because they can get $300 or $185? You can buy a whole brand-new 4 barrel carburetor for that much! are you kidding me what a ripoff. is it a snob thing or something? I just don't understand, sorry.
|
z24rag
Forum Newbie
Posts: 11
Age: 63
Loc: Wisconsin
Reg: 12-23-10
|
07-27-11 11:08 AM - Post#2118527
In response to docpete
They cant sell them for $30.00 because they are not made in China. I make the 65 66 67 Bench seat boot . This was not a cheap endeavor and may take me a few years to break even. When you consider what these boots sell for NOS or even used, these prices are a steel. They are proudly made in the USA which may be part of the reason why they cost more,,, but what would you rather buy ? Chinese or United States products ?
Jon
|
 Donny
American Auto Wire - Site Sponsor
Posts: 5196
Loc: Bellmawr, NJ
Reg: 09-11-06
|
07-27-11 02:48 PM - Post#2118604
In response to docpete
OK, the following in no way, shape, or form conveys thoughts and ideas of this site or the company that I work for M-F, 9-5. I also make some reproduction items that are extremely nice and are also a bit pricey. So here it goes:
It is not a rip-off at all. This was discussed many times in the last few years when original boots were bringing 4 figures or darn close. It is not a "SNOB" thing either. It is about money....period. As I have explained many, many times in the past, it's not as simple as "just make a mold and cast them". The tooling to do things like this costs many thousands of dollars, and to mold them in short run costs about $75.00 ea. per unit. Do the math. If you have 20k worth of tooling and you're gonna sell maybe 500 boots, that's $40.00 a piece just for tooling. Now add in the $75.00 unit price and you have $115.00. That doesn't take into consideration any R&D time, packaging, marketing or whatever, so figure an extra 10 bucks per unit for that. Now we are at raw, out of pocket, cost of about $125.00 per unit. Oh, almost forgot.... This is a capitalistic society where we are entitled to make some money, right? You need to mark up the cost 100% for retail on your investment so that you can discount it back to the dealers so they can make their 30% mark-up. So now, we are at $250.00 retail. Now keep in mind, most boots will trade at wholesale so they are gonna sell for about $175.00 ea. That means you're gonna make a whopping 50 bucks on a $125.00 investment per unit. Not a very good business model at first sight. Whew... Great.... Maybe you sell 200 boots the first year of making it. That's $35,000.00 in sales... bunch of money right? Wrong. Your out of pocket investment was about $57,500.00. At that rate, it will be almost 20 months before you ever see a profit from this investment. If industry used this model, we would all be out of business in a few months. Still think it's a rip-off? The reason that there are $30-$50 boots out there is that they make thousands of them from a mold made in China or India that costs 5K because the people work for pennies an hour, and they make it from substandard, unstable material that lasts a couple of years at best (ask anyone who has used the 65-8 firewall clutch rod boot. I know many who replaced them in less than a year...they are JUNK) by people who make $2.50 per day, so the piece price is also very low.
That concludes today's economic lesson folks. Sorry, but I just get real tired of being told that when we make and sell things to people, we are "ripping them off". If folks think it's that easy, please have at it, by all means, and good luck.
Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now.
Donny
|
BigDogSS
"14th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5100
Loc: SoCal
Reg: 12-21-01
|
07-27-11 03:54 PM - Post#2118622
In response to Donny
 Great explaination, Donny!!
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible 327 - Ermine White C1 - VCCA Senior Award
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe 396 - Marina Blue FF - personal "barn-find" lol
1965 Chevrolet Malibu 4D Wagon |
Edited by BigDogSS on 07-27-11 03:55 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
ed72073
Contributor
Posts: 582
Age: 49
Loc: Chicago
Reg: 12-08-10
|
07-27-11 05:42 PM - Post#2118655
In response to Donny
I agree with Donny, but he also forgot that our great government wants 35% of the profit too and what about insurance cost? I am a big believer in you get what you pay for, not saying the more you pay then it must be better. People need to take into account what goes into making a product and every seller or distributor marks the product up so they can eat too.
|
z24rag
Forum Newbie
Posts: 11
Age: 63
Loc: Wisconsin
Reg: 12-23-10
|
07-29-11 06:28 AM - Post#2119247
In response to ed72073
Thanks Donny for that detailed economics lesson.
Most of you have now seen these boots on Ebay. My normal price on Ebay is $175.00 Buyit now. Just so you realize the full cost involved , Ebay/Paypal alone charges me $22.00 for each boot sold at that price.....PLEASE Im NOT cutting down Ebay so hold your thoughts a second, its the cost of the best advertising and marketing tool out there at the moment .
If you need to save dollars as we all do, theres other ways to get parts at a savings. Jon. 
Jon Krogh
Union Grove Wi.
Email : dkrogh@wi.rr.com
Shop: 262 878 0673
|
docpete
Senior Member
Posts: 425
Loc: Illinois
Reg: 12-20-04
|
07-30-11 10:38 PM - Post#2119948
In response to z24rag
wow I guess I didn't realize you had set up an entire factory to produce this boot. maybe if we could see a picture or two from the factory floor we could understand better. I live near Rockford maybe I could swing by sometime and check it out? what other products do you produce there?
Pete
|
Donny
American Auto Wire - Site Sponsor
Posts: 5196
Loc: Bellmawr, NJ
Reg: 09-11-06
|
08-04-11 12:44 PM - Post#2121762
In response to docpete
I can't tell if you are being sarcastic (and I get the sense that you are) or not, so I will answer your question as though it is legit.
The size of the building or factory has zero to do with anything. I never mentioned any overhead or whatever. Again, when you cut an investment mold tool of this size, the material alone is a small fortune. Next, you have to cut the tool which if done here in the states cost between 75 and 125 bucks / hr. That is why tooling costs so much. Next, you are making a single boot at a time as that is all you could afford to cut a tool on. It takes "x" amount of time and material to make this as there is cure time to get it out of the mold. That's what runs the piece price up. We do not make it in our shop. We contract it with a company that does this as their sole operation so they are as competitive as anyone here in the states. We still have 10's of thousands of dollars in our own money tied up.
Like I said before, if you think it's easy, try to repro something. We made the 65 Impala SS rear body molding 15 years ago. The tooling back them cost me about 106K out of my own pocket! It took 3 years just to get my money back. NEVER again! we're not rippin people off, we're trying to provide a nice piece to the masses who cannot afford a 1000 dollar boot at a fraction of the cost. Yes, 300 bucks is a lot of money, but it is also 70% than the alternative. I will not address this any further as it will simply turn into a pissing contest and that was not my intention.
|
captainofiron
Contributor
Posts: 171
Reg: 08-08-11
|
08-08-11 09:17 AM - Post#2123215
In response to Donny
Wow, so there is a repro boot.
I have looked for so many years, and I used a torn (and patched) 66 boot.
Great to hear
|
GLM409
Forum Newbie
Posts: 66
Age: 66
Loc: Milwaukee
Reg: 03-30-08
|
04-23-12 10:46 AM - Post#2218244
In response to captainofiron
Not sure if anyone else had the same experience, but I just finished installing this boot and I promise to not use any of colorful language that resulted in my wife running out to the garage expecting to find the worst. I did get it installed, but it was not easy. Now that it is installed it looks great though. Here's what I found.
Before you start, be absolutely certain you are done with any transmission/shifter work because you don't want to disassemble/reassemble anytime in the near future!
1) The console attachment holes along the side of the boot didn't even come close to reaching the console hole attachment points. My advice when installing on the hump is to be as generous as possible so you have the most material you can to get the boot to stretch up for console attachment.
2) Make sure the boot is warm and pliable.
3) I ended up using 4 awls to line up the four holes with the console and let it stretch over a number of days to finally get the boot installed.
4) Per the included instructions, start with the long screw on the passenger side toward the firewall first.
5) Be aggressive! Use an awl through the cover, then stretch the boot up to get the hole in the boot to go over the awl. Then try to move things down and get the awl into the matching screw hole in the console.
6) This is where it got really colorful! Push down on the cover as hard as possible while pulling the awl out in an attempt to keep the boot in place and the holes aligned. Hopefully the holes will stay aligned and you can get the screw in and started. Do not tighten anything down until you've got the last screw in. (Actually, leave as loose as possible.)
7) Repeat for the other 3 screws.
8) Have a drink of your choice and apologize to anyone that was within earshot during the procedure and admire the look of the new boot installed in your 65.
I'ld like to know if anyone had a similar experience.
Have fun,
GLM409
P.S. I recommend the boot, but it is a bear to install.
Edited by GLM409 on 04-23-12 10:47 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
captainofiron
Contributor
Posts: 171
Reg: 08-08-11
|
05-24-12 05:36 AM - Post#2229212
In response to GLM409
Thanks for the tips.
Have the prices stayed about the same for these boots? I looked on ebay but nothing came up, not sure if I am searching the correct terms or keywords.
Anyways, if anyone installs this would you mind posting pictures of the process?
I think my console might be missing a piece, is there a chrome piece that goes inside where the shifter and boot go?
Thanks.
|
GLM409
Forum Newbie
Posts: 66
Age: 66
Loc: Milwaukee
Reg: 03-30-08
|
05-25-12 01:55 AM - Post#2229540
In response to captainofiron
I bought mine from The Classic Chrome Company (http://www.classicchromeco.com/) whose contact information is listed earlier in the thread. You can call them directly and don't need to watch on ebay to purchase.
I don't have pictures of the installation, but there is a chrome frame that installs over the top of the boot and the lip on the console to mount the boot to the console. There is a reasonable illustration in the assembly manual for the 4-speed (M20) option.
GLM409
|
captainofiron
Contributor
Posts: 171
Reg: 08-08-11
|
05-29-12 11:23 AM - Post#2231157
In response to GLM409
I bought mine from The Classic Chrome Company (http://www.classicchromeco.com/) whose contact information is listed earlier in the thread. You can call them directly and don't need to watch on ebay to purchase.
I don't have pictures of the installation, but there is a chrome frame that installs over the top of the boot and the lip on the console to mount the boot to the console. There is a reasonable illustration in the assembly manual for the 4-speed (M20) option.
GLM409
I dont have that assembly manual, but from your description, I think I am missing that frame
does anybody sell a reproduction of it?
|
Donny
American Auto Wire - Site Sponsor
Posts: 5196
Loc: Bellmawr, NJ
Reg: 09-11-06
|
05-29-12 09:23 PM - Post#2231352
In response to captainofiron
I don't belive so, that is why they usually trade for 150 bucks or so on the secondary market. One shows up on ebay now and again.... just keep watching.
Donny
|
captainofiron
Contributor
Posts: 171
Reg: 08-08-11
|
06-20-12 06:44 AM - Post#2239399
In response to Donny
Finally got some pics of my console
|
427SS65
DECEASED MODERATOR RIP Tom
Posts: 14735
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Reg: 12-11-03
|
04-11-14 01:42 PM - Post#2443741
In response to z24rag
Has anyone else bought one of these boots? Still want to hear war stories.... 
|
|
Gain extra benefits by becoming a Supporting Member 
