Has anyone replaced the ford model A starter push rod with button - the peddle is stuck. So why would I replace the rod, when I could replace the rod with a switch? Has anyone tried this?
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You can replace the rod with a push button, but that push button HAS to activate a starter relay!! Now, that relay needs to be mounted somewhere, meaning drilling holes, you will also need to lengthen the cables to reach the new starter relay, and you will need to have the starter equipt with a threaded stud to attach the new cable. OR, you can remove the original, or in your case, poor replacement starter switch and readjust the internals as well as remove more of the hole the rod runs through and reinstall the switch!You wana look waaay far up da road and plan yer route because the brakes are far more of a suggestion than a command! -
Same as above, but now you've made the starting circuit more complicated than it was, as the starter relay ("solenoid") has a primary circuit to be wired to the push button; one more thing to go wrong. It should be fairly straight forward to get the foot pedal switch to work properly. The repops are terrible and need some re-working, and yes even I have had to slightly enlarge the hole in the firewall a little bit.
Maybe Tom W will chime in and offer some wisdom about the pedal switch. BTW pedal switches were common all the way into the '50sComment
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This is just a wild guess at your Model A starter rod problem; however, If you just bought a new Model A replacement starter switch that mounts on top of your starter, (or have one bought not too long ago), it is possible that the new starter switch's threaded tube that receives the starter rod was never designed to be properly aligned for trouble free functioning.
The new Vintique brand starter switches are very famous for "not" providing their new starter switch's threaded tube at the correct angle.
The new metal body of the starter switch can be re-worked for proper alignment to allow the starter rod to function properly without binding.
Older starter switches, (not made by Vintique), and (if you can find one), will work trouble free.
A starter button on a Model A will possibly look like Mona Lisa wearing a cowboy hat.Comment
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Sure anything can be done, but why not fix the reason that is causing the rod to stick. Your not going to gain anything by rewiring the circuit to accommodate a push button switch.
What H.L. Said above3~ Tudor's & 1~ Coupe
Henry Ford said,
"It's all nuts and bolts"
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Mitch's Auto Service ctrComment
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I haven't had to replace a starter switch lately for anyone, but the last one I installed came from Little Dearborn, here in the Twin Cites, and it looked like a perfect fit. I agree with H.L. that if the new switch binds, I'd take the cover off and bend the hole for better alignment by using a rod in the hole, or use the original housing. Most often it seems the small t insulator or the bronze strap insulator are what fails, so I'd use those parts from the new switch and use the cover and contact strap from the original, if they are good.
Come to think of it I did fix Mark's binding starter switch when I was at his house a couple months ago. But, that was just the fuse installed under the housing lip, rather than over it. Anyway, it doesn't take much to throw off the alignment and cause binding.Comment
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My "NEW" Starter Switch Experience:
Eight (8) years ago, after total Model A mechanical re-build, I brought my oldest son and his wife to church to get married in my newly acquired 1930 Town Sedan that I mechanically restored from bumper to bumper.
I installed new 3:27 ring & pinion differential gears, new 330 Stipe cam, new rings, new pistons, new valves, new electrical wiring, new bushings & bearings "everywhere" ..... working nights until 3:00 a.m. in the morning, while still working at my office during the day.
All the young kids my son's age age, (except my four (4) children and wife), were asking all along if I had a back-up plan in case my Model A would not run on the day of the wedding; however, on the morning of his wedding, (with no test run), I re-installed the distributor and timed it and drove a very short distance to my son's house with a "new" Model A "Vintique" starter switch, (with descriptive expletives omitted on purpose), that jammed.
When I got there in my Tuxedo, the #<%& "Vintique starter switch caused the starter rod to be stuck, and the starter was turning when I shut down the engine.
The whole bridal party, (except my four (4) children and wife), were shocked to see me drive up in my Model A. I immediately disconnected the battery cable switch and said nothing.
I went in my son's house, quietly got a coat hanger, and installed it under the inside button on the starter rod so I could pull the starter rod upwards after ... if it got stuck again ..... but told nobody about my new *^$@# "Vintique" starter switch that I had installed that morning.
Anyway, since I had distilled water in the radiator & battery, I figured I just as well drink distilled whiskey with the bridal party prior to and after the wedding ceremony.
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A different angle, Tired of people coming right up to my bumper when my engine stalled on a very steep hill, (parking brake would not hold) I threaded an old brake rod into the starter, made a custom bracket around the steering column, cut the brake rod to length and added a button. I could now re start the engine without taking my foot off the brake. Everything is painted black so it does not show. BobComment
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Buy a new switch. That's been covered. Make a new rod from stock 1" longer than the original. Easier to step on and more adjustment with carpet.Comment
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Is it a early 28, if so they had a different switch and used a bent rod to engage the starter.Originally posted by Calistri View PostComment
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A sagging or worn motor mount can also cause misalignment of the starter rod to the firewall hole. A sagging frame can also cause the misalignment. Excessive shimming of the firewall body block will cause the problem, too. The early starter switch with the bent rod was no design gem, either.Mechanical engineering 101: If you put an adjustment knob, screw, bolt, or tolerance specs on something, some people will immediately fiddle with it. If you mark it DO NOT TOUCH everyone will mess with it.
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Hey Bob, why didn’t you repair your faulty emergency brake? Seems like a lot of labor ect to circumvent the actual problem .Comment
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Or get one of these!Originally posted by carolinamudwalker View Post
3~ Tudor's & 1~ Coupe
Henry Ford said,
"It's all nuts and bolts"
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Mitch's Auto Service ctrComment
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Cuck, I know, I know, but I just hate pulling those rear drums, besides I like to tinker. I have crossed over to the dark side but I am happy. BobComment
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Replace my starter rod with an old school floor button. easy to install and easier to use.Comment
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