HanksB3B Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 (edited) Dear Pilothouse Forum Members, My 1951 Dodge B3B 108 is getting close to being roadworthy, but I have one major problem to fix. I'm hoping that someone could photograph and attach a picture of an original throttle linkage (the more original the better). My gas pedal starts with only about 1-1/2" motion before it touches the floor, but worse than that I've discovered that the the linkage (at the top of the pedal) can rotate so that the throttle can "get stuck" in the wide open position with no way of backing it off without physically flipping it back to normal with a finger or screwdriver. I've worked too long and hard and don't want to be featured on "Most Extreme" or "America's Dumbest Drivers", I could really use some help from someone who has either had this problem, or someone more mechanically inclined than I am. Here's my plan: I have an unbent OEM Throttle Linkage I picked up at a swap meet some years ago, but first; 1. Install a new (circa 1950's) hinged gas pedal I have by removing the worn-out steel "pawns" (I feel bad) and securing the pedal to the transmission floor plate. 2. I plan on mocking-up the bends and lengths with some threaded rod on which I can position a fender washer with a nut on either side to get things working properly. 3. Finalize by bending and installing the NOS OEM throttle linkage (Not sure about how to match the original specifications of the springs though, if anyone knows what they are please advise). Most importantly now is for someone to post a picture and/or some dimensions and specifications. Thanks in advance, Hank Edited August 27, 2009 by HanksB3B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Here's the best picture I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HanksB3B Posted August 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Merle, Thank you. It helps to see the relationship between the Gas Pedal and the start angle of the first lenght of linkage before it crosses over to the RH side. Still looking for a picture view of an original truck kinda from the samr view of the photo I took. Do you think of my threaded rod mock-up plan will work? Thanks, Hank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodgeb4ya Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 A couple pictures of the engine side of the throttle linkage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveMelchiorre Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Here's a few from my '52 B3B.... Hope it helps... Steve... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HanksB3B Posted August 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Merle, DodgeB4ya and Steve, Appreciate the help. Will keep posting. Thanks, Hank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradley S. Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Here is a shot of the linkage at the carb end. That vertical spring is something someone added and is not stock. Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey beard Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Bradley, Is your engine a big block 25-incher? I notice your exhaust head pipe exits the manifold near the center. My 218 leaves the manifold back at the rear, close to the firewall. Just wonderin' . . . Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradley S. Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Hi GB; I have a B1F with a 236.6 ci engine. Does that help? Here's a picture of the linkage all spiffed up. GB - should I paint the linkage aluminum like the engine? Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey beard Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Whilst we're all palaverin' over this thread on throttle linkage, this might be a good time to mention another item of related interest - top end power. These throttle linkages are really very simple. The problem with them is that they are quite difficult to see. They also get out of adjustment. My own cross shaft that hinges on the bracket that bolts to the backside of the block was twisted from years of hard "pushing the hammer down." The final trick to throttle linkages is getting full throttle - hence my posting about top end power. Get someone to hold your gss pedal to the floor and check out your linkage at the carburetor. Is it going fully open? Mine was not. It may take some thinking, but unless you are getting WOT - wide open throttle when the pedal is to the metal - you will not realize full power from your engine. It's the oldest trick in the book to getting max power from any engine. You may need to bend some linkage or rework some parts if they;re worn. One of my linkage pieces was worn halfway through the thickness of the metal. If you are in the midst of a Pilothouse restoration, best to check your linkage pieces out with a fine tooth comb. Check everything for wear, and do it before you put your floor boards down inside the cab. That is the only way you can see all the related pieces. If you get full wide open throttle when you press down on your gas pedal, then you know things are set up properly. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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