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Found this weekend at the Turlock California swap meet. Seems to be a vacuum activator operating a switch. You can see the name and part number on the box. There is a T fitting and some vacuum hose adapters in the envelope. What is it supposed to do? Anyone ever seen one in action? Auto start has to be a good thing.
-John
PS -- believe it's still for sale.
John Boyd
San Diego, California
Member National Desoto Club and Airflow Club of America
drjohn96@me.com
1936 S2 Airflow sedan (1)
1937 Chrysler Airflow sedan (2)
Well since no one else indicates they have an idea as to what this item is, I'm going to officially tag it as a "whatchamacallit" because seriously, I don't know either. I was keeping my eye on this hoping someone really did know and I'd like to know as well.
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
I've been known for my prowess at making things up....just ask my kids.
It is a vacuum operated automatic starting switch. When the car is running, vacuum opens the switch and disengages the starter. If the car stalls, the lack of vacuum closes the switch and the starter re-engages and restarts the car. If I'm right, I need more time to fabricate a story on how the neutral safety switch is incorporated into my tale......
The '32 Pierce Arrow that my college class restored was equipped with something similar called the "Startix" I think things like fire equipment had them as well so that if the pumper stalled while the firefighters were away from the truck, it would at least try to re-start itself.
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
I have since found another discussion that agrees with Tim's explanation. The source was a former member of the DeSoto Club, and he noted that there is one currently listed on eBay. I've attached a photo from the eBay ad -- note that it says for transmissions with neutral safety switch only.
John Boyd
San Diego, California
Member National Desoto Club and Airflow Club of America
drjohn96@me.com
1936 S2 Airflow sedan (1)
1937 Chrysler Airflow sedan (2)
And to give credit where credit is due, here is the email that tipped me off. Thank you John G!
-John B
Hi,
Noticed your posting on the NDC website.
The part you have is currently listed on eBay. The listing states that it's designed for 1955 models Chrysler products with an automatic transmission.
How it works is another matter that better minds will have to determine.
But do check out the eBay listing, and look closely at the shown instruction sheet. Some of it cannot be read, but parts can.
A former NDC member,
John Gnorski
John Boyd
San Diego, California
Member National Desoto Club and Airflow Club of America
drjohn96@me.com
1936 S2 Airflow sedan (1)
1937 Chrysler Airflow sedan (2)
