Aftermarket cruise control - good, bad or ugly?
 

I'm planning to drive to the board meet from NJ. I'd really like to get a cruise control installed by then. Does anyone have any experiences with installing/performance of aftermarket controls, like Rostra, Audiovox, etc? Where'd you buy from ?

Did a forum search, but only got a few hits about OEM controls.

Thanks,

I have cruise on my 72 2wd but have not ran the truck in many year's now ... I have an aftermarket cruise controll from the dana corp and it worked very well look's factory as the controll's are in the turn signal switch it worked great from what I remember can get some pic's of the set-up if you like...

I have installed the Rostra units in a couple of vehicles and they were great. I plan on putting one on mine in the future.

i've seen the dakota digital one & it looksa solid....


http://www.dakotadigital.com/product...ategory114.htm

Hi Rick,
At one time I purchased a truck that had an aftermarket "Dana" manufactured cruise.. It was more like a "Surge control" than cruise... not sure if it was a misadjustment or something... It did have pieces glued to the drive shaft for sensors which ended up coming off.. I ended up just removing it... probably doesnt help you much but just thought I would share my experince with the Dana version..
I do have an OEM 1970 cruise control that I would sell .. It has not been tested as the truck I removed it from many years ago had a blown engine... here is a link to some pictures in case you may interested.. Cruise Control

I have a 78 OEM still installed that I would sell.
Cheers

I bought and installed the Audiovox system. I got it on sale from JC Whitney. It works great. When I installed it I put the magnet on the driveshaft. If you have a stick you can go with a tach signal to maintain speed. Since I was going to switch to an auto I configured it right away to work on the driveshaft signal.

It is a very nice upgrade.

I have a Rostra control... Looks stock as the control replaces the turn signal arm...

GMC Jim-

Could you post pics of your setup? I checked out the Rostra website and their system looks good, just wondering what it looks like in our trucks.

MrShelley....my digi camera is lousy at taking pics close-up....sorry...I checked out the Rostra web site which seems very comprehensive..... I installed my control about 12 years ago and that model appears to be no longer available... The newer models appear to be even more versatile and offer several different sensing applications for cruise controls. On my control, the engagement switch replaced the turn signal actuating arm and was very much like the switch arm used in GM 'Cruise Master' applications.
I notice that Rostra's web site offers literature on their products.... and several types of cruise controls. You might wish to call them ( 1-800-782-3379 ) and ask about details for your proposed installation....Also ask about the various switches they have available ( replaces the turn signal arm) so that you can match the original GM if that is your desire....
By obtaining literature you can decide what you might want to purchase. Also, you can download the instruction manuals from their web site.
Your closest supplier for Rostra products is also listed on their web site. I notice that Rostra acquired The Dana Electronic Products division in 1991. I beleive Dana was the original manufacturer for cruise controls offered for our era of vehicles.
Keep us posted on info you are able to secure and the ease of installation; should you decide to install.

I added cruise to a truck usings 84 camaro parts It would work in an old one just the same you can buy inline vss that hooks on the speedo cable

I think alot of them aftermarkets have magnets for sensing the vehicle speed.

This is what the Audiovox system looks like.
I hung the controller down below the dash. I don't use it in town so it isn't a problem. If I commuted in this vehicle I wouldn't put it there. The module bolted to the the inner fender has 7 or 8 dip switches in it to control how it functions. Magnet on driveshaft, tach signal, I think there was a setting for vehicles with VSS. The bracket next to the carb was already there. I have no idea where it came from. I just hope it works with my new small block/AFB/new intake that is coming soon.

Not the prettiest system but it works for me.