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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | | Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 105 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 105 | When I bought my 49 half ton, the previous owner had started installing a new wiring harness, and from what I can tell, the only thing that was not completed was the brake light. I haven't gone through everything to check continuity yet, and I've never tackled car wiring before, but one thing I found on accident is that the foot starter will work in the off position without a key...
While this is a pretty convenient feature if I lose my keys... I'm not crazy about this setup. I know that the key switch is at least operable because the fuel gage jumps up when I turn the key on. What happens beyond that, I have no idea. Any idea as to what might be wrong?
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | there's nothing wrong, the starter can be cranked anytime with the foot pedal, but the engine won't start unless the ignition key is on - don't lose your keys  Bill | | | | | Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 105 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 105 | | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | It was that way for decades. The modern starter/ignition switch is a fairly modern invention.
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion.
Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,755 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,755 | The truck will move and run over expensive stuff if you happen to park it in gear, just from starter torque- - - -so will a 47 Pontiac straight 8- - - - -don't ask me how I know that! I got my britches dusted the first time I discovered that trick!
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,272 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,272 | I can drive my '49 across a parking lot with nothing but starter. (Semi- Granny first gear and a 4.64 rear end, and a 6 volt starter fed by 12 volts.)
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | On purpose, Carl?
Last edited by tclederman; 08/17/2017 1:38 PM. Reason: corrected spelling of name
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Using a manual starter, or keyed for that matter, when your engine will not start in the middle of a river, or other bad spot, neutral safety switches need to be disabled first, however.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,272 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,272 | Yep. I just had to try it.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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