Clutch safety switch options

Scotchman · #1 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 02:16 PM

I'm not planning on using the clutch safety switch. Am I crazy? Any opinions on the safety issues?

Ronbo · #2 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 02:47 PM

Well depends on wether you also don't use the nuetral switch.

Unexpected lunging of the car while starting is rather rough on dogs, small children, ect. not to mention your insurance company will love you for providing the "out" on a claim.

If it's a street / Insured vehicle hook them both up (in parallel at least).

Ultimate safety would be to wire the clutch / nuetral in series, but I've yet to see a Detroit sled wired this way. They're there for a reason and it's a good one.

RON N BKFLD · #3 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 04:20 PM

A nuetral safety switch with an automatic trans, yes. a clutch safety switch with a standard trans, no way. I wouldn't remove it from my SVT mustang, but I wouldn't consider it on a cobra, or any other hot rod. Have you ever stalled at a stop light and had to use the starter to get out of the intersection? I have...Ron

Ronbo · #4 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 04:42 PM

If your intention is to use the starter as a "backup motor" then I would suggest a momentaty contact "bypass" switch added to the dash near the starter switch.

Let the safeties do their job as intended, or move to BFE so you can minimize the danger you pose to others.

Yes I've stalled, I get out and push the car out of the intersection. If it's busy wait for a cop to stop traffic.

mr0077 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 05:12 PM

I Don't have one on my Cobra, not planning on one, do have one on the SAAB. Never had a problem with or without them, except occasional annoyances on cars that DID have them. I wouldn't take one off, but I wouldn't put one on.
Seems like if you can't remember to push in the clutch when starting there is a problem other than the lack of a clutch safety switch that needs fixing...JMHO.

RON N BKFLD · #6 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 05:27 PM

Ronbo,, My response was to Scothman's question, not to your opinion. I'm not getting into a pi$$ing match with you over a non issue like this, but my opinion still stands, as does yours......Ron

Ronbo · #7 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 05:59 PM

No pi**ing contest, people make mistakes. These devices there for a reason and even addressed your view with a safe alternative.

It isn't a matter of opinion, it's bad advice. Sorry you don't agree.

Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB · #8 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 06:08 PM

Ask Mikiec about what can happen without a neutral safety switch. Or better, ask his wife Ginny. It's about the empty cobra climbing stairs.

AZ Bob

Dwight · #9 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 06:17 PM

I did not install one on my Cobra. AND
My buddy does not have one on his Unique. He did "not" install one after he started his Cobra in the garage and ran into his work bench.

We both need one. You know what they say, "Shxt happens"

Dwight

jwd · #10 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr0077

I Don't have one on my Cobra, not planning on one, do have one on the SAAB. Never had a problem with or without them, except occasional annoyances on cars that DID have them. I wouldn't take one off, but I wouldn't put one on.
Seems like if you can't remember to push in the clutch when starting there is a problem other than the lack of a clutch safety switch that needs fixing...JMHO.

I agree. If you're too f--kin' stupid to put in the clutch before starting, maybe you should be riding the bus. The big 3 didn't start using them until the 70's and only then because they were mandated to. As far as I'm concerned, they are a pain in the azz.

mikiec · #11 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 08:30 PM

Bob B is right. I have neither. IMO Unless you do something stupid like reach in and start the car while standing outside, you're OK. Ask Ginny...

Mike

MT nester · #12 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 10:19 AM

IMO

put in the clutch switch.
You never make mistakes and you allways have your **** together.
BUT BUT BUT....
Your wife,girlfriend,wifes girlfriend,interested neighbor,friend & ect may not...

Put in the clutch switch, but put in a remote start button under the hood. Wired to the neutral switch. And put in an ignition kill switch under the hood.
That way you can start it or bump it over when you are working on it.

elric · #13 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 02:59 PM

I put one on my ERA, used a hydraulic cylinder with a pressure port and screwed in a stoplight switch. Wired that between the ignition switch and added a toggle so I could disable it if it became faulty. Works awesome; car won't crank unless the clutch pedal is depressed. Great safety feature that costs almost nothing.

Steve

dave from mesa · #14 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:33 PM

Don't have one. Don't need it.
IMHO

double ugly · #15 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:42 PM

I had one on the Hi Tech and it was OK. I don't have one on the carbon car and it's OK.
John

Ronbo · #16 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:53 PM

They safe guard against not only operator mistakes but some mechanical failures as well.

TKO's have been reported here sticking in gear, clutch master cylinders failing.

All the more reason with this "history" to use both switches in series. I believe in the right of an individual to endanger himself, endangering others is a different matter. Like saftey belts, you want to get thrown out of your car fine, but I have a problem with where your empty car ends up.

It's not a matter of opinion, it's being a good neighbor. Doubt I'll change everyones mind on this but maybe someone with think twice about it.

mr0077 · #17 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 04:27 PM

Ronbo, do you have a clutch switch on your Kirkham (with a toploader I assume)? Do you also have a neutral safety switch?

Cobrabill · #18 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronbo

No pi**ing contest, people make mistakes. These devices there for a reason and even addressed your view with a safe alternative.

It isn't a matter of opinion, it's bad advice. Sorry you don't agree.

Yes it is a matter of opinion.The originals didn't come with one.You don't need them.Clutch interlock switches are for people who don't pay attention.Not paying attention in a Cobra means you will be wrecked and or dead in the near future.So really,it's a moot point.

Cobrabill · #19 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronbo

They safe guard against not only operator mistakes but some mechanical failures as well.

TKO's have been reported here sticking in gear, clutch master cylinders failing.

All the more reason with this "history" to use both switches in series. I believe in the right of an individual to endanger himself, endangering others is a different matter. Like saftey belts, you want to get thrown out of your car fine, but I have a problem with where your empty car ends up.

It's not a matter of opinion, it's being a good neighbor. Doubt I'll change everyones mind on this but maybe someone with think twice about it.

Ron,your first two sentences confirm that you have no idea how things really work.

And now you're going to tell us being a "good neighboor"involves putting a useless(YES,USELESS) device in my car?

I think you'd be much happier driving a Volvo

Ronbo · #20 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 05:20 PM

I'm awaiting delivery (end of May), but I won't run without them. I don't know if the Kirkham comes with a pedal switch, but I'll have one regardless. The TKO has a nuetral switch, not sure but I think the toploader like most transmissions from that time had the switch in the shifter.

I also ordered dual roll bars, six-points on both sides, fire suppression and extinguisher. No point cutting corners on saftey, for myself or a passenger.

"hope for the best, plan for the worst"