Early Cruise Control??
 

Hey Guys,

MY truck is a '59 fleetside 235ci with 3 speed on column.

In the picture (previous owner cut dash for after-market radio:banghead: ) I plan on welding in the patch-panel to accept an original radio. Anyway, the black knob in the upper right on dash is some type of "cruise control". When I test drove the truck, in 3rd gear going down the road, the previous owner pulled this cable out and the truck went by it's self......no gas pedal needed until he pushed the cable in, then truck resumed normal operation of me pushing gas pedal.

Is this a factory option or something someone added in the last 46 years? If it's not factory, what originally went in that hole or location on the dash?

Thanks,
Tod

Re: Early Cruise Control??
 

That's a throttle cable, originally used for when there was something attached to the PTO, a winch or whatever. It's like a choke cable, but it attaches to the throttle instead of the choke. Obviously not a substitute for cruise as it doesn't release the throttle if you apply the brakes, add more throttle if you go up a hill, let off while going downhill, etc. SOrt of risky to use it for a cruise but it can be done, has been done many times.

Re: Early Cruise Control??
 

Yep, hand throttle. Also to be used to help clear flooded engine if equipped with manual choke.

Re: Early Cruise Control??
 

in my truck, i used that spot to install a toggle switch.. to control the dome light... so the passenger can reach it easily :)

Re: Early Cruise Control??
 

Didn't need a choke with my FI and don't need a throttle without a PTO.
I used the 2 locations for the fresh air vents.

With Vintage Air, you have to relocate the stock fresh air control for the passenger side anyway.

Re: Early Cruise Control??
 

The manual throttle is there for the 6 cyl foot stomp starter. Left foot on brake, right foot on starter, left hand on choke and right hand on throttle. You could indeed use it as a throttle hold or pseudo cruise on flat roads. Any PTO I ever used did also include some type of throttle, but usually a vernier type.

Re: Early Cruise Control??
 

my 62 galaxie had this type of throttle pull cruise control, it worked a treat in kansas that is actually flatter than a pancake

Re: Early Cruise Control??
 

Magiccoolbus pretty well nailed the most often purpose of the hand throttle along with it being handy when you were on a steep hill and needed one foot on the brake and one on the clutch and working the gas pedal wasn't the best option.

Re: Early Cruise Control??
 

That was my interpretation of its use. My 50 has it as well. Not sure if I want to hook that back up of find another use for that dash location

Re: Early Cruise Control??
 

Also used on farms when you need the truck to creep along in granny gear while you loaded hay bales, etc.

Re: Early Cruise Control??
 

Thanks for the replies guys! Much appreciated.