Just installed my new shifter handle (LT)
i replied to your email question-
but for everyone else... the chrome button is just a skin. It needs to be pryed off with a small straight blade screw driver. Takes some time but it will come off. there are 2 interal clips that hold the chrome piece on. I stuck a large screw driver inside the handle to hold the button out. Once the chrome skin is removed from the button you will see the pin that holds the button in place.
As far as removing the "leather" from the LT handle and installing it on your factory handle- good luck!!!! its not real leather and the min you try and remove it I have a feeling it will just fall apart!
but for everyone else... the chrome button is just a skin. It needs to be pryed off with a small straight blade screw driver. Takes some time but it will come off. there are 2 interal clips that hold the chrome piece on. I stuck a large screw driver inside the handle to hold the button out. Once the chrome skin is removed from the button you will see the pin that holds the button in place.
As far as removing the "leather" from the LT handle and installing it on your factory handle- good luck!!!! its not real leather and the min you try and remove it I have a feeling it will just fall apart!
if I have time when I get home I should be about to take a couple pics for you of how to remove ithe button... it was a pain in the butt the first time.
also.....when I installed the chrome top on the shifter i used silicone... but when the truck got hot inside it would keep falling off so i ended up using a little 5 min 2 part expony yo stick it on.
also.....when I installed the chrome top on the shifter i used silicone... but when the truck got hot inside it would keep falling off so i ended up using a little 5 min 2 part expony yo stick it on.
Thanx Purpony, I was trying to figure out how I was going to keep the chrome top on the shifter. I snapped 2 of those little guides off.
Here are some pics up to the Chrome Button removal that will help visualize things:
Stock Shifter
Step #2
Step #3
More Pics to come...
Here are some pics up to the Chrome Button removal that will help visualize things:
Stock Shifter
Step #2
Step #3
More Pics to come...
Here ya go...
Be careful of the spring...notice it's bent; I attempted to reinstall handle without properly seating the spring.
Scratches attempting to remove the "SKIN"
The other side...

Next to come...both shifters side by side comparison
Be careful of the spring...notice it's bent; I attempted to reinstall handle without properly seating the spring.
Scratches attempting to remove the "SKIN"
The other side...

Next to come...both shifters side by side comparison
Originally Posted by DAThomas9
Wow. From the looks of the interior guts, I'm suprised this mod even works.
Thanks for the pictures - it will be a GREAT help when I tackle mine.
Thanks for the pictures - it will be a GREAT help when I tackle mine.
lol- yup... all the guts have to come out of the new one since they are preformed into the handle.
Then the original handles guts can be slid in place.
I used the chrome top off the LT handle but broke the 4 tabs off and then dremeled the center ring down a little..... and then used 5 min expony to hold it on. Also you need to do a little grinding on the factory guts to make them slide in but you should be what needs to be done. I ended up taking a little to much off so I used a couple little daps of 5 min there as well..... so far my LT handle has been working out great for the last several months and the feel is great!! and the looks are awesome!
I would advise when you grind the plastic out of the new handle, do it outside or in your garage. I stunk up the house when I did mine yesterday. Like Purpony stated, it takes a little patience and a steady hand to grind it out. After you get most of it out, do a little at a time, checking the fit as you go. Easier to grind more, then to do too much. I had to read Purpony's instructions a couple of times about the plastic chrome button being a skin, and where the pin was located, lol. I too broke off the little plastic tangs on the top chrome cover, I used some RTV. I thought about using expoxy, but didn't want to use something where I couldn't remove if necessary later on.


