Changing leather gaitors problem (astra g)

[fatears]

hey guys,


so i tried changing my gaitors and the handbrake went really well but once i got onto doing the gear stick one i completely stuffed it up


the top of the gaitor just would not fit over my gear knob no matter what (it was just way too tight) and i couldn't loosen it so i tried pulling the zip tie out and couldn't put it back in lol

i'm using this picture for reference
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3725/p1040483c.jpg

it just wouldn't slide over the knob

i was following this guide: http://www.opelaus.com/forums/showthread.php?26313-How-to-install-leather-gaiters-in-a-Astra-G



these are the ones i bought off of ebay: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/280884907320?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649


anyone had this problem or know what to do?


thanks in advance, i'm new to the whole car scene

[guy 27]

here's how i've always done it.

remove zip tie (read the rest of this post before doing anything because once you've removed this you won't get it back in)
cut the stitching a bit more until it gets over.
lower it down exactly the same way you have it in that pic of yours.
put thick rubber band (or reuse the zip tie) on around leather so it sits tight into the groove.
pull base down make sure you're happy with how it looks then re install everything.

I don't know why they made the whole so small its a bit of a pain.

when you cut the stitch to get it over if you keep the zip tie in the place it comes with you are left with a bit of a hole which is why I do the inverted way.

[dutchy]

Got my gaiters from exactly the same place. Didnt remove the tie zip but you're right, its a tight fit. Needs a bit more force and I used a bit of leather conditioner. Made the leather softer and slippery. Went on in the end but with a lot of force.

[Shadow110]

Even get a plastic bag cut into about a 6-8" square and then let it slide over... But gentle and you will get there :-)