What needs to be done to use a floor starter button

[Tim Ayers]

Howdy All:

On my AV8 project, I've decided to go as authentic as I can. What needs to be done to use a floor starter switch like Ford uses? Is it simply just a foot switch that is live with the ignition key or is there more to it?

Thanks,

Tim

[skidmarks]

Its live all the time and the wire to the coil is switched.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by skidmarks

Its live all the time and the wire to the coil is switched.

Got it. So any foot switch will do.

[JSeery]

A look at the wiring diagrams might help you. Remember, the floor starter switch is carring full current from the battery to the starter.

[Frank Miller]

A 35-36 starter switch will be in series with the battery cable. I think that is what you're trying to do. You need a switch to handle the high current. If you're going 12 volts this will be more than adequate. A solenoid can be mounted in a more convenient spot and then you can use a lighter switch to operate the solenoid.

[HDowse]

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My Model T has the floor starter switch which carries full current (no starter solenoid) from the battery to the starter. Lang's has one and a bunch of cables. Here's the switch link:
https://www.modeltford.com/item/5014.aspx

[swanwaco32]

There is a reason they went to the push button. I have done it both ways and find the foot operated is a pain..!! Like when you stall the car on a hill or at a stop light??

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by JSeery

A look at the wiring diagrams might help you. Remember, the floor starter switch is carring full current from the battery to the starter.

If that is the case I think I would add a solenoid in the system somewhere. Then only enough current to operate the solenoid goes thru the switch while full current from the battery goes thru the solenoid to the starter.

[Tim Ayers]

Thanks all. Yes. I have a 12V generator that I've converted to the fan mount style set up, so it will be 12V if that helps.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by swanwaco32

There is a reason they went to the push button. I have done it both ways and find the foot operated is a pain..!! Like when you stall the car on a hill or at a stop light??

I don't understand this?

[JSeery]

He is referring to the fancy footwork required with a clutch pedal, brake pedal, gas pedal & starter switch. It can get interesting, but I learned to drive with this type of setup, just have to learn how to deal with it.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by JSeery

He is referring to the fancy footwork required with a clutch pedal, brake pedal, gas pedal & starter switch. It can get interesting, but I learned to drive with this type of setup, just have to learn how to deal with it.

OK, that's what I thought. I like it that way for that's what makes it an old car.

[jagnweiner]

Originally Posted by JSeery

He is referring to the fancy footwork required with a clutch pedal, brake pedal, gas pedal & starter switch. It can get interesting, but I learned to drive with this type of setup, just have to learn how to deal with it.

Exactly. My '25 Dodge has a foot starter and I've never had a problem. Of course I also make it a practice not to stall it at stop signs pointed uphill, but that's another issue. It also makes a nice theft deterrent because most people my age and younger would have no idea how to start the car.

[RobR'35]

Using the emergency brake eliminates fast foot work too.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by RobR'35

Using the emergency brake eliminates fast foot work too.

I guess that was my thought as well. Why not use the e brake to help with this.

[Willit Stop]

My coupe still has a stomp starter.It's between the clutch and brake peddle.It was there when I bought it ,so I left it there. Most people today wouldn't have a clue as to how to start the car so I think of it as a theft deterrent.
Dependable? Yes. Safe? Not so much.A couple of times I forgot to take it out of first gear and stepped on the button. It's amazing how fast a flathead will start. I got it stopped in time but almost made the garage a little bigger.

[skidmarks]

some had the starter pedal under the gas pedal and you pushed the gas pedal to the floor to start it.

[Ed Pitts]

Tim, the bigger issue is where are you going to put it. The first pic is from my 36 and I have a solenoid mounted where the foot starter was mounted. The second pic is from my A V/8 where an F1 steering column is used. The available room in an A is limited but the addition of the V/8 makes it even more so. The third pic is where I mounted my solenoid. It is out of the way and next to the starter.
Ed

[38bill]

My '51 Chevy pickup had a foot starter switch. It was kind of awkward but the switch was close enough to the gas pedal that you could activate it with your heel and still hit the gas with your toes to start it when cold. Super low 1st gear so stalling wasn't much of a problem. I would definitely use a solenoid and I would wire it through the ignition switch so the starter can't be activated by accident.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Ed Pitts

Tim, the bigger issue is where are you going to put it. The first pic is from my 36 and I have a solenoid mounted where the foot starter was mounted. The second pic is from my A V/8 where an F1 steering column is used. The available room in an A is limited but the addition of the V/8 makes it even more so. The third pic is where I mounted my solenoid. It is out of the way and next to the starter.
Ed

Ed:

Thanks for the pictures. Some interesting questions. It's one a '32 frame so I thinking towards the outer end near closest to the outside of the car. I haven't planned location yet, I'm still in the process of figure it out of that's the way to go. I want to keep it like an old car and not a street rod.