Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Electronics Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 12, 2021 | 01:09 PM
  #1  
MrDormouse's Avatar
MrDormouse
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
Electronics Question

1984 302 2wd Auto

Behind the driver side kick panel there is this mysterious box. Any ideas? There's an ugly aftermarket tach tied to the steering wheel, a weird gas saver thing that looks kind of like a weird tach also attached to the steering wheel, and there is a Amp for speakers as well. Now, IDK if this goes to any of that yet, but I thought I'd mention it.

Is it an alarm? I doubt it works, so can it be removed if it is?

I hate all electrical work.

Please advise. Thank you.


 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2021 | 04:10 PM
  #2  
diggerrigger's Avatar
diggerrigger
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 390
From: Evansville, Indiana
Device looks like a cruise control module.

Is the weird gas saver thing an original "Gas Master"? Had one as a teen. Purchased from JC Whitney. That gauge has paid dividends for my entire life

 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2021 | 05:06 PM
  #3  
MrDormouse's Avatar
MrDormouse
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
Yes, that's the gas thing. It's ancient though. Does it actually work? Should I leave it?
 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2021 | 05:20 PM
  #4  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,992
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by MrDormouse
Yes, that's the gas thing. It's ancient though. Does it actually work? Should I leave it?
It's just a vacuum gauge. The more vacuum means the throttle is closed more, which naturally burns less fuel. Yes if it moves as you work the throttle with the engine running, it is working.
 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2021 | 05:50 PM
  #5  
MrDormouse's Avatar
MrDormouse
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
But that gas saver is not hooked up to that black module thing, correct?
 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2021 | 06:41 PM
  #6  
diggerrigger's Avatar
diggerrigger
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 390
From: Evansville, Indiana
Originally Posted by MrDormouse
But that gas saver is not hooked up to that black module thing, correct?
Correct, it is not. Gauge is hooked to manifold vacuum. Mine was wired for light.
 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2021 | 06:49 PM
  #7  
diggerrigger's Avatar
diggerrigger
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 390
From: Evansville, Indiana
Back in '75, my 1967 Barracuda w/318 engine had a vacuum gauge from the factory. I learned the advantages of using it to develop a light foot. My Gas Master was installed in several of my early vehicles.

The gauges go for a premium on eBay these days. I know this because I shopped for one recently. When I saw the prices, I decided I really didn't need one anymore.
 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2021 | 07:16 PM
  #8  
FuzzFace2's Avatar
FuzzFace2
FTE Legend
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
Club FTE Gold Member
I think to find what that box dose you will need to trace out where the wires go.
Being it is not marked "Ford" I wonder if it was added on later?
You truck EFI or carb?
If EFI I dont think it is for that.
Dave ----
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Sep 12, 2021 | 07:34 PM
  #9  
kr98664's Avatar
kr98664
Lead Driver
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,178
Likes: 1,174
Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
I think to find what that box does…
As previously suggested, I think it is for an aftermarket speed control. ARA is a company that supplied parts for dealer-installed accessories. They are still in business:

https://araautoaccessories.com/wordp...ruise-control/

Years ago, I had an ‘86 Mitsubishi with an ARA branded AC system installed by the dealership. At the time, I don’t think they sold retail.

Can you please post a picture of the face of your steering wheel and the turn signal stalk? With factory speed control, the buttons are on the wheel and the stalk is a slender steel rod with a **** on the end. If you have dealer-installed speed control, the wheel will be plain and the stalk will be a chunky plastic thing


 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2021 | 11:42 AM
  #10  
MrDormouse's Avatar
MrDormouse
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by kr98664
As previously suggested, I think it is for an aftermarket speed control. ARA is a company that supplied parts for dealer-installed accessories. They are still in business:

https://araautoaccessories.com/wordp...ruise-control/

Years ago, I had an ‘86 Mitsubishi with an ARA branded AC system installed by the dealership. At the time, I don’t think they sold retail.

Can you please post a picture of the face of your steering wheel and the turn signal stalk? With factory speed control, the buttons are on the wheel and the stalk is a slender steel rod with a **** on the end. If you have dealer-installed speed control, the wheel will be plain and the stalk will be a chunky plastic thing
someone put an aftermarket steering wheel


 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2021 | 01:05 PM
  #11  
kr98664's Avatar
kr98664
Lead Driver
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,178
Likes: 1,174
Originally Posted by MrDormouse

Mystery solved. That is part of an aftermarket (possibly dealer-installed) speed control system.
 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2021 | 01:09 PM
  #12  
MrDormouse's Avatar
MrDormouse
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by kr98664
Mystery solved. That is part of an aftermarket (possibly dealer-installed) speed control system.
Ah, so cruise control? Does anyone know how that works?

And someone asked earlier, yes, Carbureted
 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2021 | 01:55 PM
  #13  
ctubutis's Avatar
ctubutis
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Club FTE Gold Member
"Cruise Control" is a General Motors brand name for what Ford calls Speed Control.
 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2021 | 03:46 PM
  #14  
diggerrigger's Avatar
diggerrigger
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 390
From: Evansville, Indiana
Originally Posted by MrDormouse
Ah, so cruise control? Does anyone know how that works
I'd guess, flip the switch and look for the module to illuminate the power light. At speed, push the button on the end of the lever. Perhaps lightning the engaged.
 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2021 | 05:10 PM
  #15  
FuzzFace2's Avatar
FuzzFace2
FTE Legend
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by ctubutis
"Cruise Control" is a General Motors brand name for what Ford calls Speed Control.
And here I thought us Flare Side owners were picky with step side j/k
Dave ----
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:08 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE