1953 Dashboard Accessories

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Jul 30, 2012 | 01:23 AM

bigdaddylove

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Joined: May 2012

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From: Alameda, CA

1953 Dashboard Accessories

Hi,

In what order were the original dashboard accessories (starter, lights, washer, heater, choke and throttle) placed? I did a search but found nothing that jumped out at me.

Also, what was the throttle used for? How does it differ from a choke?

Thanks in advance!
BDL

Jul 30, 2012 | 02:17 AM

old ugly

Tuned

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 374

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdaddylove

I believe from left to right you should have the ignition switch, bottom, and light switch, top, on the left of the column then the wiper switch, choke and throttle on the right, not sure if it's choke then throttle or other way around. The heater controls go under the dash about the right middle. thier order depends on if you have a fresh air heater or a recirculating heater. Fresh air has four controls, a recirculating only has two. The fresh air controls from left to right, blower, temp, air and defrost. The recirculating, blower and I can't remember what the push pull **** was for, I would need to look at one of my controls to find out.

Jul 30, 2012 | 10:29 AM

raytasch

Believe Nothing

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 7,516

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From: W. Central FL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdaddylove

Hi,

Also, what was the throttle used for? How does it differ from a choke?

Thanks in advance!
BDL

Most all vehicles of this era and earlier had hand throttles. The throttle could be used as a variation of cruise control. Flat level roads with no change in load, it worked, almost.

The throttle could also be used to bring the engine speed up for battery charging while the vehicle was stationary. It could be used to help speed engine warm up. (??) Some of these old trucks had PTOs that ran devices that required engine speeds above idle and for extended periods. Probably other reasons too but these come to mind.

The choke function is to enrich the fuel/air mixture for starting a cold engine. As a function of the choke, the idle speed is also increased. The engine should never be run for any extended time with the choke pulled.

While I am here, I'll tell a short story:

Years ago a woman bought a new car and the car delivered terrible gas mileage. Repeated trips to the dealer found no problem. I forget the exact punch line but anyway she told the service writer that that "cute little **** with the C on it made a great place to hang my purse when I pull it out ". End of gas mileage problems.
HTH

Last edited by raytasch; Jul 30, 2012 at 10:37 AM. Reason: story

Jul 30, 2012 | 10:44 AM

53 tonner

Tuned

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 310

Likes: 25

From: Eagan, MN

From left to right, I have the starter button, wiper, lights, steering column, throttle, choke, ignition key, and the lighter. The heater controls are on a separate panel below the dash.

Raytasch gave you a good explanation regarding the throttle and choke. My truck has a PTO driven hoist and when I had a heavy load in the box I would pull out the throttle to speed up the RPM's and pump more hydraulic oil through the hoist to lift the box. I used the throttle when the engine was cold too.

Gran