Skip to main content
Topic: Dumb but simple fix (Auto Floor Shift Handle) (Read 1561 times) previous topic - next topic

Dumb but simple fix (Auto Floor Shift Handle)

Its very funny how sometimes the easy and simple way to fix something is the least obvious.  My Cougar Shift handle is Leather and after a thorough cleaning of the interior, i wiped it down with a cleaning cloth, and that cleaned and stripped the color off the leather at the same time.  The leather finish felt a little rough to the touch also.  So of course my brain being really mad my action for ruining what seemed to be a overall nice handle, just a bit faded, now went into Ebay (NOS) mode, CL searching etc.    To no avail of course.  Then i was polishing my work shoes with Kiwi black shoe polish and was very impressed with my shoe shining feats, and i had a epiphany.  Shoe polish on my leather shift handle.  Sure enough, i gave a solid coat, let it dry overnight, and it literally looks brand new, maybe even nicer.  All of the roughness is gone too.  There is no fading, or color run since i applied it.  I will post the exact bottle and brand i used and it has a nice foam padded applicator so it goes on very smooth and even.  Go figure.......








1983 FORD THUNDERBIRD HERITAGE 5.0
2008 SAAB 9-7X AERO 6.0 (LS2) 1 0f 554 Made
2011 FORD FLEX SEL Family Hauler

Dumb but simple fix (Auto Floor Shift Handle)

Reply #1
That won't wear off on your hand when using it? Otherwise that's  a great idea!

Dumb but simple fix (Auto Floor Shift Handle)

Reply #2
Quote from: CBASS;432422
That won't wear off on your hand when using it? Otherwise that's  a great idea!

Completely color fast. 24 hours to dry and nothing came off ever.








1983 FORD THUNDERBIRD HERITAGE 5.0
2008 SAAB 9-7X AERO 6.0 (LS2) 1 0f 554 Made
2011 FORD FLEX SEL Family Hauler

Dumb but simple fix (Auto Floor Shift Handle)

Reply #3
I have actually done that to my steering wheel back in the 90s
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
Join us on Facebook

Dumb but simple fix (Auto Floor Shift Handle)

Reply #4
Mods, thanks for moving to the proper section.......








1983 FORD THUNDERBIRD HERITAGE 5.0
2008 SAAB 9-7X AERO 6.0 (LS2) 1 0f 554 Made
2011 FORD FLEX SEL Family Hauler

Dumb but simple fix (Auto Floor Shift Handle)

Reply #5
Here is the miracle shifter handle fixer........



X








1983 FORD THUNDERBIRD HERITAGE 5.0
2008 SAAB 9-7X AERO 6.0 (LS2) 1 0f 554 Made
2011 FORD FLEX SEL Family Hauler

 

Dumb but simple fix (Auto Floor Shift Handle)

Reply #6
If you go to an out door or sportsmans type of store, saddle soap or obenoughs sp?

they sell it as leather boot and shoe weather proofing. They both work much better on leather then shoe polish
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com