Key start
 

Back in March there was a thread about using a starter solenoid with links to other similar threads. CarlG wrote that he uses a key start on his A. I have long thought that the push button on the left side of the dash on Ford trucks was a cool feature, but an ordinary key start would be better. I had an off-the-shelf switch on my 57 Chevy truck, but I recall that it was too bulky to fit in the available space behind an A dash panel. If my memory is correct, what type of ignition switch would fit there, or would it be necessary to install it in the dash rail?

Re: Key start
 

I would think twice about using a key start setup. I purchased a 1931 sedan that had one. To start the car, I had to reach through the steering wheel of the car to turn the key, while I used my right had to pull the chock. A left had mounted push button would work better.

Re: Key start
 

My experience is all in repairing it, not driving it--I forgot about the choke.

Re: Key start
 

Snyder and other venders has a kit called "sparky", where it is connected to the spark lever rod to activate the starter. I made my own similar one, with the same results, and
it works great. Look it up on one of the venders, you might just like it.

Re: Key start
 

I saw the sparky in a website and it has some appeal, but I would fear pushing the spark lever to full retard for reason other than starting, and having my starter drive voice a loud objection

Re: Key start
 

I never have to use the choke with my Stromberg 97 carb, so that is no problem.

Re: Key start
 

I have a Zenith and I don’t have to hold the choke open when I press the starter. I leave the GAV at 1/4 turn, pull the choke a couple of times before I press the starter and she starts up every time.

David Serrano

Re: Key start
 

I like a push button starter on the dash, if your on an incline you can use one foot on the clutch and one one the brake to restart the engine.

Re: Key start
 

I'm curious. What does "pulling the choke a couple of times before I press the starter" do beside open and close the choke butterfly? It surely will not enrichen the mixture if the engine is not spinning. :confused::confused:

Re: Key start
 

Me too!!

Re: Key start
 

Works for him.
Don't disparage the guy.

Re: Key start
 

Perzactly.

Re: Key start
 

No disparage, just curiosity.

Re: Key start
 

Just how does that work?

Re: Key start
 

Come back and tell us, I would like to save my battery until I wanted to actually start my car.

Re: Key start
 

Probably spell check assisted David. It's pesky.

Re: Key start
 

I don’t know, I’ve just been doing it for 7 years and it works for me and it starts on the first or second time I press the starter even after it sits for some time. I only press the starter for one or two revolutions and stop. If it doesn’t start the first time it’ll start the second time I press the starter.

Maybe just a good engine and carburetor. Never had to mess with anything. The previous owner said he had a mechanic in Orange Co., CA that worked on the car regularly.

I’ll just keep doing it until it doesn’t work. I don’t like to mess with mysteries of the universe.

David Serrano

Re: Key start
 

If you don't touch the choke knob does it start the same?

Re: Key start
 

That's the way I read it.

Re: Key start
 

I don’t remember. I’ll try it when I get home tomorrow.

David Serrano