Okayyyyy -- think I found a relatively easy workaround...
As noted in the original "boot" thread (see here
DIY OEM Shift Boot Install on Automatic ), there are these stupid little pieces of velvet that help the spring clips gain purchase on the shifter bezel, and keep it firmly in place.
Those velvet pieces pretty much fall out on their own after you remove the bezel and never quite go back in right again
Without the velvet pieces, the boot will put just enough force on the bezel to pop the clips, loosening the bezel and preventing it from seating firmly in the rest of the shifter assembly -- no good!
So after thinking on this for a bit I did two things:
1. Trimmed the boot -- no need to have all that extra leather yanking on the bezel -- also interferes with using the shifter for M mode in lieu of paddles, or so I found...
Also, I don't really like "poofy" shifter boots.
2. Took some slivers of leather from the boot and used them in place of the crappy velvet.
Ta dahh! The leather strip puts enough force against the clip and the boot to lock it town. Some gentle tamping with my hand and it is so far so good.
If it comes loose while driving, I'll have to experiment further, but so far, moving the shifter does NOT disturb the bezel!
I'll have pics of my modified GT-R knob installed soon, but for now, here is the M45 Knob -- works perfectly, and IMO, looks awesome!
Sorry for crappy phone pics -- better ones of this and of the customized GT-R knob soon!
