47-55.1 Foot Start Switch

[elorenzof]

I have a 1951 Chevy 3100 Pickup with a sbc in it. Is there a way to add the foot start switch back into it (there's currently a hole in the cab floor) to be able to run it to the starter and work properly?

[Second Series]

Yes, it can be done. Great idea, this question comes up often. Here are a couple posts:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=804187
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=812493

[mr48chev]

I'd have to get my doodle pad out and draw it out but you could make an adapter to use to put the actual round pedal on top of the tractor starter switch using a short piece of the right size steel tubing a bolt that screwed into the pedal and a set screw to hold it in place.

Just make sure you have enough room between the firewall and the engine in that spot for the switch. On old tractors those switches carry all the amps going to the starter from the battery so the current to the S post on the solenoid wouldn't be much of a load for one.

[Rickysnickers]

Originally Posted by elorenzof

I have a 1951 Chevy 3100 Pickup with a sbc in it. Is there a way to add the foot start switch back into it (there's currently a hole in the cab floor) to be able to run it to the starter and work properly?

Isn't that hole designed for the headlight dimmer switch? If it is, where will you put that switch? I'm not poo-pooing your idea, just throwing a question for you to consider.

[mr48chev]

NO the hole is to the right of the gas pedal. You can put your toe on the stomp pedal and your heel on the gas if you work it right.

Looking at a photo of the firewall on one of my cabs and seeing where the stomp pedal goes though the toe board I think a guy would have to make a little box/bracket and mount the switch on the inside to make it work. There isn't going to be much clearance between the bellhousing and the firewall at that spot.

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

Isn't that hole designed for the headlight dimmer switch? If it is, where will you put that switch? I'm not poo-pooing your idea, just throwing a question for you to consider.

As has been said, the dimmer is on the left, the starter was on the right by the gas pedal. The foot start pedal took the place of the solenoid. The starter on these trucks had no solenoid so you were the solenoid by pushing that button down engaging the starter to the fly wheel.


Brian

[51 3600]

Maybe these pics will help. I went through this exercise as seen in the first link that SecondSeries lists.

The stem on the switch itself is 1.75" long. Need that length to make the complete switch long enough to accommodate the bellows. The copper plumbing cap needs to be spread open (I used a socket and a hammer) to allow it to slip over the end of the switch. Drill a hole in the end of the cap, insert a bolt with a washer on the inside of the cap, another washer on the outside, and a nut. Bolt is 1.25" 3/8" - 24 which will screw right into the stomp head. With cap, bolt and nut assembled I attached the cap to the switch with JB Weld.

Then make a plate, drill a hole in it large enough to slip over the switch. Weld 2 studs to it that match the hole pattern in the switch base. This mounts the switch to the floor. Make a rubber gasket or 2. I haven't decided if I need a gasket on both sides of the floor or not as I haven't installed the switch yet.

If 2 gaskets then push one onto the switch, push switch through the floor from the underside, push on another gasket on the inside, push the studded plate on over that gasket (assume here all necessary holes have been drilled in the floor), and attach nuts on studs under the floor. Hope I got all that in order. Place the bellows on the switch assembly and screw on the stomp head. Voila! Wire it up as necessary.

If you need more info you can send me a pm if you'd like. Glace to help further if I can.

Attachment 2102321

[51 3600]

Sorry, pics didn't post. I'll try again later. Have a date I must meet.

[51 3600]

Finally got the pics to work. I should mention this is not my design. I've copied the work done by another who's name I can't remember nor if it was on this forum or another. All credit goes to him/her.

[51 3600]

[Rickysnickers]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

As has been said, the dimmer is on the left, the starter was on the right by the gas pedal. The foot start pedal took the place of the solenoid. The starter on these trucks had no solenoid so you were the solenoid by pushing that button down engaging the starter to the fly wheel.


Brian

Got it Brian. I didn't know that this series of trucks had a foot starter switch. I learned something.

[Second Series]

Originally Posted by 51 3600

Attachment 2102368


Attachment 2102369

That looks pretty slick! I'm going a different route with the original bracket, plenty of room in there.

[mr48chev]

I don't know of any way you can rig a later model engine that uses the V8 bolt pattern to use the stomp pedal in it's original configuration.

What 51 3600 showed was exactly what I have been saying.