leather boots

[jamesr]

Because I did not like the quality of the rubber shift lever boots, I bought the leather boots. My question is, how do I prepare them?  I was told that the leather loves oil, so rub oil into them.  Is that correct?  Jim

[Carls_jeep]

Use Neatsfoot oil on leather goods. Saturate it well and it will last a long time.

[calvinhunt]

Jim,
I'm not surprised that you went with the leather boots.  I nearly did that myself.  I have gone through three sets of the rubber ones, each one supposing to be better.  Just attempting to keep my restoration close to original.

The only leather ones I have seen are the ones on eBay from England that are intended for military restorations.  Is that the ones you bought or is there another source?  When I need new ones I will go with leather even if they are styled for Army Jeeps.

You remember that I restored a 1944 Willys MB for a friend.  I used the leather boots there and that's why I know that are great.  They were available in green or black.  I didn't oil them like Carl advised above.  I agree with Carl, however.  My friend's MB hardly ever sees the light of day.  It just goes to shows and parades so I don't know if it needs the Neatsfoot oil.  If I use them on my Jeep I will oil them because my Jeeps goes all summer long, gets dirty, gets washed, and gets dirty again.  

[rocketeer]

Rough or smooth finish? If it's rough finish, leave it alone or it will look like crap.

Larry

[calvinhunt]

Larry,
That makes sense.  The boots I used on the MB were smooth finish.  I'm not sure if they are the same ones Jim has found.  He'll respond, then we'll know.

[jamesr]

I bought the boots at "Willys Works" in Tucson (520-888-5082) as Rob has a good stock of any Willys or older Jeep parts, and it is local for me.  It is a 3 piece kit (trans, t-c, gas pedal).  Part #18889.06 with the brand names of Rugged Ridge, Omix, and Outland on the package.  I guess I would consider them to be smooth, yet kinda rough like suede. Almost like leather work gloves, but olive drab in color. I have restored the Willys for functionality, not precisely perfect.  Hope that helps to explain.
As a side note I drove the "rolling chasssis" this past week, after 15 months of work. Purrs like a Willys, and holds 40 lbs of oil pressure, and holds a steady 180 degrees.

[calvinhunt]

Jim,
I'd be curious to see your leather boots.  Are they similar in shape to the original civilian boots?  The ones from England that I found on eBay were military style, excellent quality, and expensive (quality is worth it--something that's hard to find these days).  I bought them 2 years ago-haven't seen them lately, but haven't been looking for them, either.  

The Omix, Rugged Ridge, and Outland products are sold by all the Willys suppliers.  I just haven't seen leather boots from them before.  Guess I'd better look.  Still, I really liked the ones from England.  

Larry,
What type of boots are you using on Frances?  

[Carls_jeep]

The only problem with leather is it has to be treated with Neatsfoot oil or some type leather preservative or it will dry out and crack. The rubber boots just simply harden and crack over time and there is nothing to prevent it.

The leather has to be properly treated, whether it's smooth or suede, they still have to be treated with a preservative to keep them from drying out and cracking.

I have the rubber boots on mine, so how long is the life of them?

[rocketeer]

The only problem with leather is it has to be treated with Neatsfoot oil or some type leather preservative or it will dry out and crack. The rubber boots just simply harden and crack over time and there is nothing to prevent it.

The leather has to be properly treated, whether it's smooth or suede, they still have to be treated with a preservative to keep them from drying out and cracking.

I have the rubber boots on mine, so how long is the life of them?

My "new" rubber boots cracked within a year. The leather ones, unless left exposed to the sun, will not dry out and crack without treatment and even then I wouldn't do it. If the boots aren't constantly exposed to the sun you don't need it and if they are you don't want to because the sun will cause the oil to continually come to the surface due to the heat.

These have been in almost 3 years now (but they are not constantly exposed to the sun).


Larry

[calvinhunt]

I have the rubber boots on mine, so how long is the life of them?

My Jeep has been up and running just over 2 years now.  I have installed three sets of rubber boots.  My Jeep is always indoors except when I'm driving it.  It never just sits in the sun.  Different dealers make claim that theirs is better than the others.  I believe they all come from China and made with terribly poor quality rubber.  

The boots from England look very similar to the ones Larry has in his photo above, except they are smooth.  They are (or were) available in green and black.  I'm going to be traveling to the north end of the state where I'll be staying with my friend who has the restored MB.  I'll try to remember to get some pics of them.

Thanks Larry and Jim.  Next time I purchase boots they will be leather.  I'm tired of replacing them.

[Carls_jeep]

How much do the leather boots cost?

[jamesr]

The boots I bought are as Larrys picture shows, or very similar.  I paid $50.00 for them, and it included the gas pedal, transmissiion and the two transfer case levers.  Also bought some Neetsfoot oil yesterday to treat them, as suggested.  
Now, my second problem, is a quality master cylinder boot.  The one that came with the new cylinder is as cheap as the rubber boots for the levers.  I wish I had saved my old one, but I can't find it.  Any suggestions? Jim

[rocketeer]

I got mine at Walcks.

http://www.walcks4wd.com/

Larry

[calvinhunt]

There is an eBay listing for the green leather boots from England that I purchased when restoring my friend's MB (mentioned in my earlier post above).  The eBay item number is 250550551885.  They are $29.99 with $9.99 shipping.  I don't see the black ones listed any more (bet this source would provide them). I was pleased with the quality.  They were smooth finished leather.