I was looking for an answer to a question when this “HotRod | Race Car | Drift Car Wiring for Beginners” video popped up. It seems like a real useful video and it is making me consider adopting a couple of ideas.
For example, currently there is no solenoid within the electrical system (I was just going to redo what was already there). But, the solenoid makes sense (and maybe two make sense), but now I have to figure out where to put the solenoid(s). My current plan would be to put them on the passenger side of the rear inside the dog house. That would be close to the battery and the starter, so I wouldn’t have to run the starter cables such a long distance. Anyway, still thinking through that ….
Also, in the current electrical design, there was no safety switch (meaning to force the FC to only start in Park or Neutral). This seems like a pretty good idea to have. But, my shifter (late 1960s Dodge A100 shifter) doesn’t have one installed. Nor was there anything installed on the TH350 transmission. However, Lokar makes a solution that can be adapted to a TH350 (and other trannys). The limitation of the Lokar is that you can choose to have a safety switch or a reverse light switch, but not both. That got me on a tangent of wondering if I could also add a backup light switch to that setup.
Another idea I had was to build a custom bracket and install a Chev brake light switch on it that would fit in the front of the shifter. So, when the shifter was in Park, the switch would be pushed in, allowing the ignition voltage to pass through. But, it would only be setup to start in Park (maybe that isn’t a big deal). Then, I’d use the Lokar at the transmission to control the reverse lights.
Anyway, check out the video. I thought it was good. (note that the wire he has going from the alternator to the fuse box via a diode goes, on my set up, to the tach … so I don’t think the feedback he experienced would be an issue??).
The whole neutral safety switch thing is only a big deal if you expect someone to drive the vehicle that will try and start it in gear. With an automatic this seems low risk but I’ve never tried it. Lots of vehicles can be started in gear and that’s pretty normal. I’d say if the gear shifter is clearly marked or there is a gear display then it’s a pretty low likelihood someone will try to start in gear. Just my 2 cents. I also notice that a habit of setting the parking brake makes the whole neutral safety switch pretty moot. I’m thinking specifically of farm vehicles with air brakes that we get in a habit of setting the brake and if you try to start in gear it simply won’t do anything.
ChadwickinID: Those were my initial thoughts as well. I wasn’t really worried about it.
Like you, I’ve never tried starting a vehicle with an automatic while in drive either. But, given the FC Tour Jeep could easily be amongst people (parade, show, etc) and get started, I’d hate for someone to, say, accidentally start it in reverse and it run over people. That’s of course a worst case scenario, but for the price of a simple switch under $20 switch, it’s worth adding in my opinion.