VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Vacuum Shifter Boot

Has anyone ever figured out how to install a new boot and a 40-48 vacuum shifter? If so, I would be interested in learning how it is successfully done. The factory must have had someone dedicated to doing this as the transmissions were processed just before installation.

Second question, Is there a member who specializes in doing this kind of service? If so, who and how much? There must be a trick to getting that thing on.

Nowadays one could go without the boot but it will continue to bug the hlel out me until I get one on without splitting it.

Thanks and best,

Charlie

Hi Charlie,
What I am about to divulge is top secret known only to a select few "Fleetliners". Also, I came about this knowledge too late for me to actually try. I installed mine with the info I received here on this forum. You know, six hands and lots of soap and water.

I tried to find the source of this info but it was on a pc long gone.


Chevrolet offered a repair kit for vacuum cylinder as you can see. Looking at the kit you will see a bent piece of spring wire that holds the rod in the cylinder. To remove the rod for replacement you simply pull hard and it is suppose to come out. You then place the new rod into the boot THEN insert the new rod WITH boot into the cylinder. Easy!
No doubt it was done this way at the factory.

NOW, remember, this is what I read some time ago. I tried to locate a scrap cylinder to test this with but never did.

DISCLAMER!!! Remember, this info is from a Fleetliner so whatever you do you're on your own.
Perhaps someone has actually tried this and come forth and let us know if this is true or not?

Best of luck.

To protect my standing with the Fleetliners this post will self-destruct after you read it.

Russell, You're a funny guy. You know that?

Anyway, I'll try what you indicated. Sounds way to easy to lead to success, though. I'm sure you Fleetliners never actually did this relatively hard and dirty work yourselves but had your chauffeurs take the caw to the gayrage (misspelling is deliberate. It demonstrates the way you and your chums speak).

Thanks, for responding. I would send mine to you and let you try to put that stinking boot on but I know such work is beneath the upper crust.

Best,

Charlie

BTW: Have you and your chums commandeered a whole entire hotel of your very own for the anniversary meet? So, of course, that you don't have to mingle with your lessees. A tell will be the motel that has called vendors with extra large orders of scones, champagne, prime rib, lobster and caviar. The delivery trucks will surely be marked and readily noticeable to the lesser but knowing Motel 6ers. Will too! The club needs to keep an eye on you and your kind whilst so many of you are all together. I wonder. Just how many piece ocrastra will you settle for the ballroom. I hope all you can book is the "Cleverlies"(sp). After all this event is mighty close to WV and is right there in KY to begin with! See below:

Russ: Is this the post you are referencing ? ( 328032 dated 12/08 thru 12/13/2014 Just installed Vacuum Shift Boot) When I went to my parts boxes to look at my extra vac unit I found attached to it a copy of that posting. In there it states it is the center shaft that comes out which is shown in your pic. I didn't pick up on that and was looking at the outside shaft on my spare unit. I didn't have enough nerve to try it now. Like you, this info came after I ripped one boot and finally succeeded in getting another one on (warmed it up in oven then soap & water (with the help of son-in-law - stronger than I)

BTW: Not sure Charlie is worthy of this info, but being one of the nice Fleetliners we are, I decided to post this additional info. (Hope you know how to find this old post because I sure don't. That's why I made a copy at the time)

BTW 2- Charlie- sorry to read of your wife's health issue. Wishing the best for her.

Dick

I have gotten real good at splitting the boot when trying to install it on my 39. Any chance this info would apply to 39?

Thanks

Dave

Hi Dick,
https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php...ft-boot-at-kitchen-table.html#Post328063
I think that is it. I knew it was at least 5 years ago. Good job on making a written note and placing with the cylinder. But then again, that's how Fleetliners think.

Dave: Sorry I do not know if it applies to the "39" vac unit or not. I don't know how the 39 unit differs from the 40-48 unit. Maybe someone will chime in and give you a more detailed answer.

Dick

Dave, I do not know either, sorry.