recently got a 53 f100, and there is a metal spring-loaded button on the floor beside the clutch that when pushed in then released it rings a bell (which is in the engine compartment on the firewall). Did this have a purpose? Or is this something that was just added for parades/effect?

 

I hate to tell you this, but at one time your truck was a Good Humor ice cream truck, poisoning small children with chemicals, lactose and glucose. In today’s paranoia of being politically correct I strongly suggest that you remove it before the thought police come and arrest you. Maybe install it in your bedroom ………..............…but I’ll leave the rest of that story to you.

 

HAAAAW Now thats Funny

 

Alllllso.......
you may wanna check on frame to see if there's any telltale signs of having Hi-Rail equipment on it, or perhaps it just had rail wheels on it. On a couple of ocassions i've seen vintage r.r. vehicles @ museums n' stuff and it was policy of certain .r.r's of having to ring a bell before making any movement on the tracks. some also required horns as well. one that lives near here is a cadillac, google "coast-to-coast by rail in a classic cadillac" and it has a foot driven bell mecanisim
Mikie
near ottawa canada
58 mercury m-100 panel
64 econoline p/u

 

it was an add on. J.C. Whitney used to sell them. Called "Bermuda Bells"

john

 

Yep, 'tis true. Were somewhat popular in the 50-60s along with cruiser skirts and continental kits.

 

Thanks all... I looked up "Bermuda Bell" and sure enough, that is exactly what it is. They don't come cheap these days either!!! Also glad to learn that it is correct for the period since I want the truck true to its time... and I don't think my friends kids would let me get rid of it if I wanted to...

 

Check out eBay, there were three that just sold between $122-315.

 

Those were the days of Loud pipes, Flame throwers, Bermuda bells, Wolf whistles and Streetcar bells and almost anything that would get some attention from the girls.

 

Don't forget Oogaa horns and exhaust cutouts.

 

Yup, they too fall into that catagory, neat stuff that I couldn't afford at the time and all passe' now.

 

Nothing is passé if you still like it. Retro is in style now but that doesn't make me want build something a certain way or use certain parts and materials. I don't really care what others think. You don't think all the goofy chin to ankle tattoos it seems like almost every one has aren't going to look stupid in 5-10 years? I personally think they look pretty stupid now, or five years ago. If I had the money I would invest in a business that removed tatoos because in a few years there's going to be a lot of work for them.

 

Can't be too passe if people are still blowing that kind of money on a little bell. Personally, I think it is fun... but I also wasn't alive when they were popular I guess so maybe that makes a difference.

As far as car fads trying to get attention, google "whistle tips video"... and view the video on youtube if you want to see/hear an absolutely aweful fad. The video is hilarious...

 

Yeah, I've seen the video, very obnoxious fad. But like anything else, it's a culture you can't criticize. They've just moved from boom boxes and added more annoyance to they're thumping stereos with the whistler exhaust. No consideration for others.

 

That will be really big money in the near future, for sure. I can just imagine what the grandkids will think 50 years from now when they lay Grandma to rest with tats all over her. It is a big business now with people getting ex's names removed from various parts of their bodies. Like women with wings and a name on the lower back or the butt now and with a new guy.