Gear shift boot (bellow) installation

[85lc]

I want to install a replacement boot for my gearshift.  My problem is that the original boot was heat welded to the carpet. There isn't a circular hold down ring to old the new rubber boot to the floor.  Does anyone have a solution?

Next question concerns the knob.  It doesn't seem to simply unscrew.  I am concerned about applying too much torque as that may impact the linkage which I understand is held together by plastic clips. 

[badali]

The knob is pressed on, not screwed on.  Put a rag around the shaft below it and tap up and it should come off.

[85lc]

badali, Thank you.  So that is why I could never twist ff the knob.  -  Pays to ask ahead of time.   

Anyone have ant thoughts as to how to secure the boot. 
Is there a ring that people use? 

[Lorsar]

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17381.msg120102#msg120102

[RichardPercival]

When you remove the transmission tunnel carpet do you have this white plastic plate?

[RichardPercival]

The boot should fit onto the ring on top of the cover. If it’s not there or damaged you will need to buy the plastic plate - it’s readily available.

Your carpet will then fit over it. The original rubber ring was molded into the carpet and snugly fits around the rubber boot (sounds like someone maybe glued yours) but should be easy to remove/reinstall. Carpet replacements usually just have a vinyl ring that sits rather than fits around the boot.

[RichardPercival]

Here is the original carpet with the molded on ring replaced over my new shifter boot. They are not welded together and I can pull it off and replace whenever needed to access the transmission tunnel.
Sorry if this is all obvious to you, but couldn’t see what else you are asking!

[RichardPercival]

Anyone with an eye for detail will also see that the gearstick in all these pics is installed back to front (surprisingly common) my next task was changing the shifter bushings at which point I turned the stick around (it should point forward)