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.

jwd · #6 (**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.

RON N BKFLD · #7 (**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 · #8 (**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.

Cobrabill · #9 (**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.

Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB · #10 (**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 · #11 (**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

mikiec · #12 (**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 · #13 (**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 · #14 (**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 · #15 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:33 PM

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

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.

Cobrabill · #17 (**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

Burgs · #18 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 06:46 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.

Now here is a reason NOT to have the neutral safety switch hooked up. Clutch master fails,... no need for a flatbed. Start it in gear from the stop sign/light, rev match your shifts, and make sure you're in neutral when you stop. Kill the motor, and start in gear to get going again. It IS a very slow, controlled leave from a stop. It will also allow you to move your car from the RR tracks, the middle of an intersection, or some other undesirable location, when you can't get the motor going again, and you don't have time to wait around for Barney.

I'm not sure I see how the switch helps with the stuck gear thing,...? Seems like that would be better w/o the switch.

I will NOT let anybody that I want to keep alive, drive this car, regardless of the extensive safety equipment it has!

Ronbo · #19 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 07:32 PM

As far as the stuck gear, I've seen posts where the cars were parked in gear and stuck there. Evedently the selector rods get hung.

There will always be stories of how this or that happened and thank god I wasn't wearing my seat belt or a helmet on my motorcycle. I've heard lots of these over the years.

I also know the difference between a hot rod and a timebomb. The biggest saftey factor is the person behind the wheel, assuming you never make a mistake or that someone is "just a moron".

There are people that will wire the guard back on their saw no matter who tells them it's a bad idea. Some of them no doubt feel that if you need it your an idiot.

I'm done pi**ing now, I appreciate the "open mindedness".

Burgs · #20 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronbo

As far as the stuck gear, I've seen posts where the cars were parked in gear and stuck there. Evedently the selector rods get hung.

Right, I know that, but the neutral switch would prevent you from limping your way home. This is a "why not to" answer, that's all.

The helmets, belts, saws, morons, and pi55ing,...