Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Cosmetic Leather E-Brake handle Cover
I ordered on a Saturday, got it on Tuesday, opened the box and it was exactly what I expected. It's shaped just like the handle base, but with an extra 'apron' of leather hanging down to stabilise it under the carpet. I went and checked reviews on it and found 1 or 2 people complaining about the leather quality. I didn't have a problem with the quality, feel or appearance of mine at all. It looked good and felt soft. You don't want it too soft or it's more prone to ripping. Leather is an organic, varying commodity. It's bound to be different piece to piece. It is possible someone else got a bum sample, but it's more likely a matter of expectations. It's not going to be grade A lambskin. I drove out to a park and installed it with my girlfriend looking on, giving advice in her squeaky voice. There were no instructions but it looked straight-forward. It felt too tight, though, to just slide it over without breaking the seam at the round opening.. But after taking the plastic cover off the handle and exploring a little, it seemed like it would be the only way. So.. I took a breath and forced it in (almost) one semi-aggresssive motion. So far so good. Luckily I still had the plastic cover off so when the inside 'skin' folded outwards from the pushing, I was able to slide it down to the metal stem of the brake handle and straighten that out. Fought putting the plastic cover back, and then it was simply a matter of tucking the leather 'apron' into the slots in the carpet.
Looks good, feels good. Even smells good. If every interior enhancement I do is this satisfying, I'll be thrilled. Definitely an improvement in the look of the interior space. The downside: none. The extra upside: Found over a dollar change under the carpet by the handle. It falls so easily I guess through the tiny carpet slots.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97
Leather shift boot and baggy leather handbrake boot.
Installed these myself a couple of weeks back.
I read the negative review of Moss boots and almost ordered boots from other manufacturers for double the price. Then I decided to try Moss as they have always been more than reasonable in the past about making sure that I was satisfied. I'm glad that I did. I have no complaints about the quality of the leather. The shift boot was pretty tight to hook onto the base and I wish it was a little baggier, but it was made of a good grade of leather and it looks great compared to the vinyl oem boot. I chose the baggy hand brake boot. Before installing it I removed the oem plastic cover and it slipped right on. I don't know why anyone would be disappointed with these products, but I'm sure that if you were and returned them before you ripped them that Moss will make it right.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 +
Emergency brake leather boot cover.
Easy to install, just slide over and tuck it in.
Average product. It is not the highest quality leather I've seen but it is much better than the factory eye sore. The price is appropriate the product you get. In all I am happy with what I got for the price.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97
Leather boots for shift and brake handle
No instructions but easy to install. It is easiest to remove the center console (remove shift knob and 5 screws), slip the brake boot over the handle, and tuck in the bottom of the boot. There is a plate under the shift-end of the center console held on with 4 screws. Remove the 4 screws and insert the tabs on the plate into the holes on the bottom of the shift boot. Replace the plate to the underside of the center console, screw the center console back in and you are done.
Really dresses up the interior for a small price. Matches my Katzkin leather seats very well. To view boots, go to http://mypeoplepc.com/members/thebachestas/thebachestassite/
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97
Leather boot, designed to fit over the plastic lower half of the parking brake.
I was disapointed, having already bought the Moss leather shift boot and being very happy with it. This piece seems to be of much lower quality, and it is a little "too easy". It just slips on over the cover, and because of this it doesn't seem very secure. I purchased the snug fit version
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '90 - '97
A leather cover that fits over existing hardware.
I got this for my B-day and immediatly went out to put it on. Though many reviews suggest removing the console i found that some grunt was all that was needed to put this on. I removed the Voodoo handle I installed, slipped the cover on and pushed the excess materiel down into the carpet opening with a pen. BTW, I wouldn't recommend using a pen but this was the push-button kind with the point retracted and all I had available at 11pm. With care I was able to do the job and not destroy anything. Then I re-attached the handle and the job was done about 7 mins start to finish.
Though I agree that the leather used is not the highest quality, the purpose it serves really doesn't demand calf-skin. It looks MUCH better than the stock unit and for @$35 (Cdn) I'd say is worth the cash and effort. That is to say, not too much cash and very little effort. Best of all, it fills the tiny gap that was created when I installed the brake handle. Do yourself and car a favour and get the set. I'm installing the shift boot this week-end!
Under 5 minutes to remove
Brake Lever boot, Loose fit
Just to balance out the only review currently available for this product - they don't all come that bad. Maybe it is because I took the loose fit, but the leather is ok. Not the finest conolly leather, but 24.95 is not that bad for it. It is thin, but it sure looks like leather, stitching is fine.
I think the cow just died because he was destined to decorate my handbrake handle.
A boot to cover the cheap looking plastic cover on the brake lever. The Moss catalog says it is leather. If this is leather, it is the cheapest, poorest quality leather possible. The cow who grew it must have died from exposure.
I was rather disappointed with the cheap vinyl that Moss sells as leather. It does not seem to be worth $24.95. It developed a small rip when I installed it. Does leather rip? I even checked the part number with the catalog thinking they sent the wrong item, they sent the right item.
It does improve the looks of the brake lever, and matches the interior well enough. That's the only reason I didn't send it back. This doesn't even pass for good vinyl. Moss has a good reputation and I am happy with everything else I have ever bought from them, but this thing is not leather. When this thing wears out (which shouldn't take long) I'll try to find a real one from another vendor.
| Back to Product Reviews | 12 May, 2006 |