Thread: Discovery 2 handbrake boot. REAL leather option.

Hi all,

As all D2 owners know, the standard "pleather" handbrake and gear stick covers over time start to flake away. Not happy with spending $$$ on a replacement that would just do the same I decided to make a new one.

Firstly went to the local leather shop and purchased some nice black pig skin leather off cut for $6. This was enough for roughly a full set.

Next step, remove handbrake cover. I won't cover how to remove this here as a simple youtube or google will sort this if not known.

The cover itself is attached via metal surround which is just glued on and peels apart easily. Then undo stitching using a blade and lay flat. This is used as template for new leather.

Once a new template is cut you just need to get the Mrs sewing machine out and sew up one side as per the original. Just remember to turn inside out before sewing so the seam is hidden.

Using super glue I glued new leather to original metal surround and wait to dry. Make sure you make note of which way is up (on metal surround) to avoid disappointment when putting back together.

Put it all back together and you have a cheap option which is better than the original.

I haven't done the high/low range boot yet but will update here when I get time.

Photo 1 - Old piece removed, unstitched and laying flat.
Photo 2 - New one made.
Photo 3 - Detail pic of stitching
Photo 4 - Finished product.