Best way to attach e-brake boot?

[Papa]

When I installed my e-brake boot, I drilled through the leather and into the aluminum and used the small black trim screws to attach it. The leather tore open at the screw locations almost immediately. I ordered a replacement boot, but wanted to ask how others have attached them to prevent damaging the leather.

I'm wondering if something like this would work:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JNVMTYN...4-2beee4ad06be

[edwardb]

I use countersunk washers (or sometimes called finishing or finished washers), 10-32 flat head screws, and 10-32 nutserts in the aluminum. Don't remember where I got mine. I have a box I've been using out of for a long time. Like these: https://www.mcmaster.com/92918a140. Common hardware store item. I get the boot lined up and mounted before carpet. Then it's an easy install after the carpet is in. Another choice would be self-tapping automotive trim screws. Also pretty common hardware store or auto parts store item. They have a built-in head similar to the countersunk washers.

[Papa]

I use countersunk washers (or sometimes called finishing or finished washers), 10-32 flat head screws, and 10-32 nutserts in the aluminum. Don't remember where I got mine. I have a box I've been using out of for a long time. Like these: https://www.mcmaster.com/92918a140. Common hardware store item. I get the boot lined up and mounted before carpet. Then it's an easy install after the carpet is in. Another choice would be self-tapping automotive trim screws. Also pretty common hardware store or auto parts store item. They have a built-in head similar to the countersunk washers.

Thanks, Paul. My carpet is already installed. I did look at and found an inexpensive source for black finished washers. I'm going to experiment on the damaged boot with these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are marine grade SS and with a 3/8" cap, and seem like they could work without being tool large. They would also allow for very simple removal if needed. I'll let you know how they work out.

Dave

[Joecobr]

I used four 1/4” brake line clamps with 10-32 stainless screws and nutserts. I used some black heat shrink to make them less visible. The clamp clamps the boot metal ring so the whole boot is very solid and there is zero danger of tearing the leather. It was a pain lining everything up, especially during carpet installation.

4A739DD0-4042-43ED-85EA-2CAEF78D5C2F.jpeg

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Medium sized black self tapping trim screws & washers. Made sure the handle had freedom of movement without putting tension on the boot before I locked it down. Going on 4 years without damage.

[Papa]

Thanks guys for all the good ideas. I'm going to experiment with the snaps on the old boot and if that doesn't give the results I want, I'll pull the carpet back and install nutserts and use the finish washers.

Dave

[BadAsp427]

Thanks guys for all the good ideas. I'm going to experiment with the snaps on the old boot and if that doesn't give the results I want, I'll pull the carpet back and install nutserts and use the finish washers.

Dave

I just used the black, self taping/drilling screws through the leather like the book says... the problem I had was when I needed to remove it and reinstall it, it was a bear to find the original holes in the carpeting. I think I may have missed one of them on the reinstall... Just a thought for you as you proceed.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

I just used the black, self taping/drilling screws through the leather like the book says... the problem I had was when I needed to remove it and reinstall it, it was a bear to find the original holes in the carpeting. I think I may have missed one of them on the reinstall... Just a thought for you as you proceed.

I use a long awl to probe for the screw hole. Once you find the first one the boot acts as a template to help locate the others. Piece of blue tape on the console cover gives a good start point.

[phileas_fogg]

I use a long awl to probe for the screw hole. Once you find the first one the boot acts as a template to help locate the others...

Same; an awl makes locating the holes much easier. Also useful for locating the hole in your trunk carpet for the long trunk latch pin.


John

[John4337]

I used black trim screws, but found I didn’t use enough to hold it tight and I had some air leakage. I was also was concerned about it pulling thru the material, so I used some parts store trim push pins with large heads. They’re behind the seat, so you can’t see them. Worked great.

John