diy "cruise" control (cable actuated throttle lock)

[dcb]

Ok, maybe more of a throttle control, but anyway, it's easy cheesey This location is easy for the right hand, and a push with the palm shuts it down. Can always use the thumb kill switch to shut down engine or clutch to disengage (and it's only a 3cyl metro here) so not too worried about runaway.

It could be lined up left-right a little better on the chain side (needs a zip tie), but it works pretty good as is, and I only had to remove the center console to install it.

[TomO]

Looks like a great setup, could you give us more detail on what/where your got the control?

[dcb]

It is a vernier control, like might be in a utility vehicle or a gen-av airplane. I forget where I got it, think I shopped around and found it for like $35.

similiar units:
Horton Truck - Parts Detail
eBay Motors: LOCKABLE VERNIER THROTTLE CABLE ASSEMBLY (item 130132963664 end time Mar-30-09 11:36:45 PDT)


The twist fine tune function is nice, hopefully I can dial in best mpg on the flats with it.

[MetroMPG]

That looks nice. Constant small adjustments for DWL over long distances can be a pain (literally) to the foot/calf.

(Of course jomelmaldonado's load-sensitive cruise control hack would solve that...)

Looking forward to a report once you've had some time to use it.

[cfg83]

dcb -

I like it. Maybe this isn't logical, but I like adding knobs and controls to the inside of the car (especially if they do something!). Your implementation is butch. When I talk to people, I sometimes compare how I drive to flying a plane, because I am always monitor more dials and doohickeys than otherwise (but that's the fun part!).

Also waiting for the status report.

CarloSW2

[younggun]

will that pass inspection

[dcb]

Yes, but I don't live in boston I'm sure there's plenty here that wouldn't pass a boston, or baltimore, type inspection (non-oem air freshener?).

re: report, well the mrs took it up to traverse city, said it was nice to have on the hiway. It isn't super sensitive with this setup. It helps if you hold the throttle with your foot and pull the knob out till it hits the stiff resistance. For fine tuning you have to help the pedal with your foot (really light taps or lifts) while turning the knob.

Not exactly sure how to test it, what to compare it to and where?

[skyl4rk]

Does the chain pull the gas pedal down? I couldn't quite see on the picture.

[dcb]

The chain pulls on the gas pedal lever near where the lever pulls on the cable that goes to the throttle body. This moves the pedal towards the floor via the pivot (the rust colored bracket on the lower left of the last pic).

[TomO]

Originally Posted by dcb

For fine tuning you have to help the pedal with your foot (really light taps or lifts) while turning the knob.

Could lubricating the pedal pivot point with silicone lube assist you in your minor adjustments?