dbp@dataio.UUCP (Dave Pellerin) (08/09/84)
To: entropy!uw-june!uw-beaver!cornell!wally Subject: Re: Cruise Control References: <43@cornell.UUCP> The Sears cruise control (mode by Dana corp.) is a real good bet for an aftermarket cruise control. I installed one on a 1964 Ford 3/4 ton truck (352 V8, 4 speed) with no problems. The instructions are very clear and the only tools required are standard screw- drivers, wrenches and a drill. After about one year of use on the truck, I removed the unit and installed it in a 1972 Vega GT. Again, no problems other than having to re-adjust the sensitivity and range controls. Things to look for in a cruise control: - Magnetic pickup on the drive shaft. The magnets will eventually fall off (my first set lasted 10 months) but can be replaced with appliance door style magnets that will last longer (use epoxy and fiberglass tape to put 'em on). - 'Set' and 'Resume' buttons. Many of the factory jobs (GM, for one) only have a 'Set' control. This can be annoying if grandpa in his stude makes you slow down for a moment. - Brake AND clutch pedal cutoff switches. A good unit will disable the cruise electrically and by opening a vacuum switch. - 'Tilt' sensor. Just like in a pinball machine; if you run into something or roll over, the cruise will shut off. This device takes some experimenting to adjust properly so it won't panic on rough roads. - Dave Pellerin !uw-beaver!teltone!dataio!dbp
terryl@tekchips.UUCP (Terry Laskodi) (08/11/84)
Gee, GM doesn't have a Resume feature on their factory cruise-control
units???? Boy, I sure do wonder why I've been sliding that switch over after
touching the brakes, although the cruise control does go back to its previous
speed!!!
Seriously, GM factory cruise-controls do have a Resume feature (at least
in my S-10 pickup it does). Another nice feature is the ability to either
speed up or slow down in increments of approx. 1 mph just by pushing a button,
and by holding the appropriate button in for a longer period of time, either
accelerate or decelerate(sp?) as much as you want. It also disengages(But
Captain, we're engaged. Well, disengage!!)the unit when either the brake or
the clutch is pressed. Definitely needs this feature. You don't want the engine
over-revving to try and keep the speed constant when you have the clutch pushed
in!!!!hrs@houxb.UUCP (H.SILBIGER) (08/13/84)
Pellerin lists as requirements for an aftermarket cruise control a clutch cutoff and a "tilt" cutoff. The Escort cruise control has provision no provision for a clutch or tilt cutoff, since its runs off engine rprm. It is sensitive to rate-of-change of rpm, and will cut off if you step on the clutch without taking your foot off the gas. For the same reasom it does not need a tilt. It does however have provision for being deactivated by the backup light switch. The nice feature of using engine rpm as the speed input is that it obviates the need for magnets on the drive shaft. Herman Silbiger