VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Vacuum shift BOOT question?

Does anybody know the secret for getting these
@#$@ boots on the vacuum cylinder?

I have gone through 2 of them now, both ripping before it gets on.

I did mine a couple of years ago, as I recall it wasn't all that bad, maybe lots of silicone spray ? A whole lot of patience too, maybe I just got lucky ?

Put the rubber boot in boiling or hot water for a few minutes and put it on quickly, you may need gloves.

I saw a picture that shows a pressure clamp(thick wire)holding on the rear of the boot to the cylinder,is there a clamp here???I believe I saw it on the insulation instructions,chef-

Well I finally got the boot on!! Im really disappointed in the 3 boots I got from chevs of the 40s, every one ripped in trying to install them. I tryed everything from silicone, to boiling water, with no results. The one I finally got on was a NOS one from ebay. At $22.00 a pop from chevs thats $66.00. The rubber is of VERY cheap quality, and not at all strechable. The shape was not like the original either. This is the first time I have had a quality issue from chevs of the 40s. But these boots are JUNK!!!

Far be it from me to tell an 'upset' guy what to do.....

BUT

I wonder if Ron Wade and his crew at Chevs of the 40's are aware of the poor quality you experienced with the boot(s)???

You might want to drop them a line or give them a call and let them know.

Now, that's just a suggestion. Sure as heIl don't shoot me. But sometimes the vendors DON'T know about problems with an item they carry. And if they don't, they never will unless someone lets them know.

Bill.

Usually when you tell one of the major vendors about a problem with a part they will tell you...."we have never had that problem before!" :( :( :(

I bought mine from Steele's Rubber. They are very tough and I doubt if you would be able to tear them.

I am sure that if your installing a 50 year old NOS Chevrolet boot the rubber is dried out and it will tear.A new repro would be best.

Thats what I thought. But that 50 year old boot, and some lube went on just fine. I was able to stretch, and work that one with no problem. The rubber seemed thicker than the one from chevs. The minute you applied a slight amount of force to the boot from chevs...RIP!!!

I understand you could run into a reply like Skip suggested:

That's when I'd get a bit uppity and suggest maybe it is and maybe it isn't. But THIS one didn't work and I want my money back.

Maybe even suggest you're thinking about telling as many old Chevy owners as you can about the "poor quality" and "poor service" they provide. I'd bet that'd get their attention - and some results!

Bill.

I have had a couple of problems w/ parts purchased from Chevs. I too tore my boot, but have yet to get back into it to fix the problem, it's just on there torn at the moment, but anyway give them a call. I have found that they stand behind their product and will ship a replacement at no cost. Give Velvet a call at 800 999-2438 ext 103, I bet she will help you. My experience w/ her has been excellent. Steele has a great line of products, but they are a bit expensive.

I just bought a couple of NOS boots still in the GM box that are susposed to be in excellent condition. Thanks for all of the installation information.

If there in the same condition as my NOS boot was, you have indeed made a great find wd. There is just no comparison to the quality of the rubber in the NOS one, then the repro boot from chevs of the 40s. I have heard from a few people that the boot "steele" makes is of good quality.
Im going to get in touch with chevs, and let them know about this problem.

Bowtie, Do you have a number for Steele?
Thanks,
WenatcheeWalt

Steele Rubber is on the web

Go here for Steele Rubber Products:

http://166.82.96.9/main.html

fleetmas47, I actually ended up with two more of the boots than I need. (one was in a GM vacuum cyl overhaul kit) I couldn't believe the condition they are in. The quality is great, they could have been made a week ago. You were correct about the quality in spite of the age.

Recieved an Email from Harvey,from chevs of the 40s reguarding my boot problem. I was VERY happy the way harvey understood my concerns, and how quickly he made things right. :) Hats off to harvey, and CHEVS OF THE 40s. These people really know what customer service is. I promised him I would post these comments on the board for all to see. This is really a quality company, and a GREAT benifit to our hobby....

Thanks for posting that reply from 40's. I am in the process of putting in a order of a bunch of small stuff for my '46. I read this a few days ago and thought I'd just wait for a bit to see what oher feedback would come up here. Guess I can keep adding to my list. I'm up to about a grand so far. Thanks again.

I placed many orders while I was restoring Seetie Pie and found them wonderful folks to do business with. Robert especially was helpful as well as a gal by the name of Velvet.

When I first started dealing with Chevs of the 40's "Ida"was my sales rep,many of you 40's guys know Ida.Boy that was a long time ago and have now worked with Robert also for many years,chef-

After Ida left the '40s, she went into business for herself doing the same thing. Don't know if she's still in business. For several years, she searched for and bought parts at the Portland Swap Meet.

IDA has her own web site, and still sells parts.
I used to deal with her exclusively at chevs.


http://www.idaschevs.com/

Robert has left Chevs of the 40s???chef-