Floor switch highbeam dimmer
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,483
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From: Northern California
The problem is being able to reach the mutifunction when your hand(s) are busy going around a mountain turn, they usually arent in the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions, and sometimes you are downshifting. The clutch is a fairly quick manuver that is right next to the floor mount high beam switch, so its much quicker and safer.
Last edited by 94F150-408; Nov 6, 2004 at 08:01 PM.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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I like the multi-function switches, but then my hand is big enuf to stick out a finger and operate the switch with my hands on the wheel. I can usually see that someone is coming around a mountain turn b4 I get into a position where my lights are on them. the M-F switches all operate the same for the lights which makes it easier than "finding" that floor switch with my foot. I wish all the wiper switches operated the same. 
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: fremont ohio
I agree with the wiper part, I've had trouble figuring a few of those out. As for the floor switch. I like it, but my hand is also big enough to operate the handles on the column while keeping hands on the wheel.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 916
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From: SouthWest Ohio
Ahhh, floor switches...I like em. I miss the high beam switch on the floor.
My '23 Model T has the starter button on the floor. To start the car you have to set the hand brake, turn the ignition switch/key to 'on', pull the choke ****, set the throttle lever (there's no gas pedal), set the spark advance lever, then step on the starter. If the starter doesn't work, you have to get out and crank it.
I'm testing my memory here, but I remember two other floor switches in the late 50's.
1) My dad had a '58 Lincoln, and I remember a button on the floor next to the high beam button that would make the radio seek a higher station.
2) If I remember right some Buicks didn't have a 'start' position on the ignition. You would turn the key to 'on', then press the gas pedal to the floor. There was a starter button under the gas pedal. Once it started, you let off the gas real quick.
Anybody else remember these?
MR
My '23 Model T has the starter button on the floor. To start the car you have to set the hand brake, turn the ignition switch/key to 'on', pull the choke ****, set the throttle lever (there's no gas pedal), set the spark advance lever, then step on the starter. If the starter doesn't work, you have to get out and crank it.
I'm testing my memory here, but I remember two other floor switches in the late 50's.
1) My dad had a '58 Lincoln, and I remember a button on the floor next to the high beam button that would make the radio seek a higher station.
2) If I remember right some Buicks didn't have a 'start' position on the ignition. You would turn the key to 'on', then press the gas pedal to the floor. There was a starter button under the gas pedal. Once it started, you let off the gas real quick.
Anybody else remember these?
MR
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Joined: Oct 2004
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I am 17 and jest bought a nice 84' F-150 and of course it has the floor dimmer, and I love it. I dont even have to think about where it is, jest tap it and go. Lot safer and easier to keep both hands on the wheel.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Most likely because of the FMVSS, they do have guidelines for high beam/lamp switches. Plus, the multi-function switch saves a lot of money designing and assembling the car.
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From: clementsport canada
MrOldV8, i've seen both switches your talking about. our 45 chev 2 ton has a starter on the floor, which makes things interesting in hilly country, and a friends packard(don't know the year) has the starter switch under the gas.
personally, i like the dimmer on the floor, but the one on the colum is not a problem to use either, so i guess i'm split on this one
personally, i like the dimmer on the floor, but the one on the colum is not a problem to use either, so i guess i'm split on this one
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 352
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From: Waukesha, WI
Originally Posted by Beast12
I think part of the problem is that many of them had to be replaced because they got water, moisture, snow and salt in them. My dad had an 89 F150 and it shorted out and almost caused a fire. 
Maybe a danger issue? I love it on the floor though! 
-Matt
Maybe a danger issue? I love it on the floor though! -Matt
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