Hot shift boot and emergency brake

[miata03]

Just got a 2003 Miata a few days ago. I love it, but I noticed heat build-up around the shift boot (it's a 5 speed) and emergency brake area. It got so hot, I couldn't touch that area with my hand. Doesn't seem normal...any ideas? Thanks for any help.
Bruce

[Brian]

There is an inner and outer boot. Very likely the inner rubber boot is gone, simply falling apart from old age. This is very common. Put 'shift boot' in the search window of our home page store and you will see BOTH replacement boots that you likely need.

[miata03]

Thanks Brian!