Re: [FWDLK] Starting Question

[Bill Watson <wwatson5@xxxxxxxxx>]

The ignition key start was a Chrysler Corporation first - they introduced it
on their 1949 models.   Over the next couple of years the opposition adopted
the system.   Ford Motor adopted across the board for 1952 and I believe
Studebaker was the last, around 1955 or 1956.

Earlier Chrysler products either had a button on the dash or, as you say, a
switch on the floor.   In the case of Mopar products, it was actually a
lever sticking up through the floor.  Pressing the pedal pushed the lever
against the starter thus completing the electrical circuit.  It was usually
just above and to the right of the accelerator so you could give it some gas
with your heal as you started the car..

Buicks for many years had the starter switch connected with the
accelerator - you turned the key to "ON" and pressed the accelerator.   Some
Studebakers had the starter switch under the clutch pedal.  You had to put
the clutch pedal to the floor to engage the starter.

Bill
Vancouver, BC

----- Original Message -----
From: "John McCann" <jmccann02@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 9:08 AM
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Starting Question


>     I had a 41 Ford that had a pushbutton on the dash to start it and I
seem
> to remember a steering wheel lock as well. The cars that had the starter
> switch in the floor didn't have a solenoid and the battery voltage/current
> went directly through the switch to the starter, an inertia bendix engaged
> the starter to the flywheel.
>
> John McCann
> Riverside, California
>
> Picture sites:
>
> http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumList?u=1793024
>
> http://community.webshots.com/user/metralla2
>
> Puzzle page:
>
> http://www.jigzone.com/ms/g.php?ua=620939590a2035161949
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <cpollock@xxxxxxxx>
> To: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 7:59 AM
> Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Starting Question
>
>
> > Hi Guys,
> > Strangely enough, all Rolls Royces and Bentley's still use the starter
> > button.  It is considered the sign of a 'true' luxury car.  Also, I have
> > notice the kids in the 'tuner' crowd- ie. turbo'd honda/toyota, fast
sport
> > compacts, have recently begun to do this as well.  I think they are
trying
> > to mimic the race cars that have seperate 'start' buttons.
> >
> > Just my pennies,
> > Charles.
> >
> >
> > From: Reggie Knowlton <Reggie_Knowlton@xxxxxxx>
> > Date: 2004/11/08 Mon AM 07:17:34 EST
> > To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Starting Question
> >
> > One must remember one thing. In the 50s car designers didn't have
> > computers
> > to do things for them, plus the divisions ( Plymouth, Imperial, DeSoto,
> > etc.) didn't share ideas as they were competeting against one another.
I'm
> > sure the push button was far less expensive than a keyed switch with
> > multiple positions in it.
> > Anyone ever own a MG of the early 60s? They had a push button start. As
> > did
> > Plymouth in the early 50s where the button was on the floor.
> >

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