BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | 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: 6,383 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,383 | 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: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | 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: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | 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: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | 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: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | 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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