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Old Sep 12, 2021 | 01:09 PM
  #1  
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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.


 
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Old Sep 12, 2021 | 04:10 PM
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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

 
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Old Sep 12, 2021 | 05:06 PM
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Yes, that's the gas thing. It's ancient though. Does it actually work? Should I leave it?
 
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Old Sep 12, 2021 | 05:20 PM
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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.
 
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Old Sep 12, 2021 | 05:50 PM
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But that gas saver is not hooked up to that black module thing, correct?
 
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Old Sep 12, 2021 | 06:41 PM
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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.
 
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Old Sep 12, 2021 | 06:49 PM
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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.
 
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Old Sep 12, 2021 | 07:16 PM
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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 ----
 
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Old Sep 12, 2021 | 07:34 PM
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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


 
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Old Sep 13, 2021 | 11:42 AM
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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


 
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Old Sep 13, 2021 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by MrDormouse

Mystery solved. That is part of an aftermarket (possibly dealer-installed) speed control system.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2021 | 01:09 PM
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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
 
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Old Sep 13, 2021 | 01:55 PM
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"Cruise Control" is a General Motors brand name for what Ford calls Speed Control.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2021 | 03:46 PM
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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.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2021 | 05:10 PM
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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 ----
 
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