It was already stripped off a bit, and when I dropped the transmission out a couple weeks ago, it got really torn up, so I pulled the rest off. Now I'm just figuring I'll rattle can it black, but...is that rubbery coating a heat insulator? Will it be an issue at all to just paint it or will it get pretty hot? Thanks.

 

It probably helps with the heat a little, the shifter does get fairly warm with high speed driving. Paint is probably OK, or pick up a foot or so of heat shrink tubing and slide that over the shifter and shrink it in place. That is what I use on my shifter extensions.

 

Ah, shrink tubing. Where is it sold? Thank you!

 

Electronics or electrical supply stores.

Could also try some of that brush or spray on insulation or tool grip stuff, sort of a heavy vinyl paint.

 

if you want a real trick and protective look, get some hot melt vinyl and tape the threads up a bit.

the stuff is used for making the rubber coating on hand tools.
any color you want also

 

Ok great, thanks a lot. I'll look around and see what I can find.

 

just slap some paint on it and call it good! thats what i would do

 

It may come to that. I'm finally really starting to get impatient here and just want to drive my truck again!!
Get my check yet? I think it went out Friday. Hopefully you'll get it today. Interiors coming along!! Just wish I could find a full instrument cluster for it.

 

nope not yet! I might have some clusters laying around too if you're interested ....looking sharp so far!

 

I am interested. They've got to be for what I'm guessing is a late model '83. I want one with a tach and trip meter. I got an 82 cluster with this dash pad and steering wheel, but it doesn't plug in to my truck...they changed the connections. Talked with a guy on this site who says he has a cluster that came from an '83 and it doesn't work with mine either...So if you've got one, let me know. Here's a photo. Top is mine, bottom is all other '79-82, and possibly a bit into 83.



I'd love it if the older ones worked in my truck, I like they way they look better than mine...



Thanks! I like the way it's looking too. I like the shade contrast with the lighter dash pad. My old one was the same dark brown as the bottom end of the dash. And I had the lame (in my opinion) looking stock base model steering wheel. Plus no fake woody stuff on my original dash. : )