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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 136 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 136 | I installed the engine and trans in the 58 today and tried to hot wire the starter to roll over the engine.
I put the positive lead on the starter and I am wondering now what do I hook up to get the starter to roll over.
Pushing the foot pedal does not do anything.
Does the small screw under the 12 positive lug nut need 12v to activate the starter?? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | see here - the ignition resistor bypass goes to the coil ... and of course you need a good ground from the batt to the engine when you push the pedal, the lever moves back and depresses the button that makes the electrical connection inside that little box on top .... it also pushes the starter gear to mesh with the flywheel Bill | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | 58GMCanuck,
If this is a stomp type starter, a "foot starter", it is leg power that drive the bendix in and completes the circuit electrically. If you have a good battery connected to the large lug on top of the starter switch AND the negative cable attached to the engine/frame, the starter should turn over when you depress it far enough. Is this what you did?
Stuart | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,877 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,877 | If the battery is grounded to the frame you also need a ground strap from frame to engine, usually connected under a bolt for the foot start linkage on the right side of the bell housing, and to the frame. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 136 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 136 | THANKS
I think my problem is the copper lug is quite worn in side the little box and the lever would not depress the copper contact all the way.
Can I buy just the little box on the top of the starter?
I got it started with a regular starter that came with the truck,
Thanks | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | Lindsay,
Jim Carter Trucks has a replacement starter switch. It's # EL112.
Stuart | | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,403 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,403 | You can also go to NAPA, and get it right now. I just went in and asked for a starter switch and 20 some dollars later have a new switch on the starter. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 546 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 546 | I thought GMC had already discontinued the foot starter by 1958. If not, does anybody know what year they changed? It seems like Chevy still had it after GMC changed over. Anybody?
Jeff
"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just leave me alone, you're starting to freak me out."
1957 GMC 150
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | Chevy had it until the end of 59, I think GMC did as well, both for six cyl only
Bill | | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 136 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 136 | I have a Canadian built GMC which is a chevy drivetrain 235 3 speed.
Our Pontiacs ran sbc many years as well.
I had a 64 Pontiac Acadian Wagon (nova) with a 283 factory , still miss that car. | | |
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