47-55.1 What is this? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

No Handle Sam · 03-25-2019, 09:36 AM

I just picked up a 54 that is in decent shape and one of the first things that I noticed on it was this odd looking "arm" that is attached to the side of the steering column. I have never seen this before and I have no idea what it does. Any thoughts?

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MARTINSR · 03-25-2019, 11:30 AM

WTH?

Brian

cmayna · 03-25-2019, 11:45 AM

Warner overdrive?

MARTINSR · 03-25-2019, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmayna

Warner overdrive?

I was thinking that but what the heck would "WARNLN" mean?

Brian

**mongocanfly** · 03-25-2019, 12:29 PM

Where does it go after it goes thru firewall? Maybe something homemade...
Looking closely you can see where it looks like the rod overlaps and is welded together...(1)
Is this piece attached to it?... (2)

**mr48chev** · 03-25-2019, 04:25 PM

I'm thinking that it is a hand actuator for the clutch or brake that has part of the linkage removed.

Looking at it it might work as a "hill holder" for the brake pedal.

_Ogre · 03-25-2019, 07:34 PM

^^^ my 1st thought was an early brake lock, hill holder makes more sense
for someone with small feet, never had a problem feathering the gas & brake with my 14WWWW stompers

**mongocanfly** · 03-25-2019, 08:05 PM

( 14WWWW stompers) Dang Ogre...!!!....I thought mine was big

**mr48chev** · 03-25-2019, 11:00 PM

Saving the photo and expanding it it looks like you push the lever down to hold the brake pedal, Probably pretty handy in the Geogia hill county if you don't have 14WWWW boots to work two pedals at one time.

The guys from Seattle and San Francisco will say that they could have used one there too but a line lock will do the same thing.

**joedoh** · 03-25-2019, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr48chev

Saving the photo and expanding it it looks like you push the lever down to hold the brake pedal, Probably pretty handy in the Geogia hill county if you don't have 14WWWW boots to work two pedals at one time.

The guys from Seattle and San Francisco will say that they could have used one there too but a line lock will do the same thing.

I think you are right.

the column says the truck is a hydramatic, which didnt have a parking pawl and didnt have a hill holding function like later hydramatics and modern transmissions. to enter "park" you have to shut the engine off in gear, usually reverse, and even that wouldnt hold on a steep hill because it used engine compression (a hydramatic can be pull started!)

so its a hill hold/park brake, probably easier to use in traffic than the real parking brake especially if it has some kind of linkage to release it automatically, which it looks like it does.

PDW HOTRODS · 03-26-2019, 10:09 PM

Could be hand control for disabled person. I new a guy that broke his back and lost use of legs. He had hand a control put in his 59 Chevy truck with 454 and he drove it hard.

_Ogre · 03-27-2019, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

( 14WWWW stompers) Dang Ogre...!!!....I thought mine was big

ogre can do one footed brake torque burnouts

MARTINSR · 03-27-2019, 10:44 PM

Ok Sam, you going to let us know what this thing is?

Brian

1project2many · 03-28-2019, 06:47 AM

Quote:

never had a problem feathering the gas & brake with my 14WWWW stompers

Wow! I have to use the tips of my boots to keep my size 13's from not slamming brake with clutch in smaller cars. I can't get in and out of many sportscars without banging my feet off of doors and interior parts like a cueball. And for anyone who doesn't know, after size 13 shoes cost more than a set of tires.

No Handle Sam · 03-29-2019, 01:05 PM

Some interesting guesses out there that is for sure. I have know idea what the thing is. But I can tell you that the "arm" moves up and down (it is spring loaded to stay in what I'm calling the up position) and it looks like it move some type of rheostat? There are a couple of wires that come out of the back side of the "rheostat housing" one of which goes to what I thought was the heater switch? Here are some additional pictures that might give someone a clue.

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**joedoh** · 03-29-2019, 01:14 PM

I change my answer.

its a very old trailer brake controller.

do a search for "vintage trailer brake controller warner"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-War...-/273127947730

MARTINSR · 03-29-2019, 01:15 PM

A trailer brake?

Brian

**mongocanfly** · 03-29-2019, 01:19 PM

And there ya go....brake controller....never seen one of them

No Handle Sam · 03-29-2019, 01:27 PM

Really... Go figure? It sure looks like the one in the link that was posted. But silly question... why would it be wired to the heater switch? (or is that not a heater switch?)

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**mongocanfly** · 03-29-2019, 01:34 PM

Reckon somebody used it as a on/off switch?

_Ogre · 03-29-2019, 09:32 PM

definite wall hanger for sure

if you haven't bought a new wiring harness yet... you should
that wiring looks very scary

**mr48chev** · 03-30-2019, 10:37 AM

JoeDoh for the win, My guess is that it is wired to the hot side of the heater switch as a simple source of power and not though the heater switch.

I'd check it out to see if it still works and then carefully remove it as some vintage trailer guy with a similar truck might think it is the hot ticket especially if his truck is still six volt. That might be worth bragging rights around the camp ground.

No Handle Sam · 04-05-2019, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Ogre

definite wall hanger for sure

if you haven't bought a new wiring harness yet... you should
that wiring looks very scary

It is indeed. But I'm letting this one go to a new home as is. Our 48 restro mod is almost done and we don't have room for both of them. Happy wife, Happy life.

03-25-2019, 09:36 AM	#1
No Handle Sam Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 26	What is this? I just picked up a 54 that is in decent shape and one of the first things that I noticed on it was this odd looking "arm" that is attached to the side of the steering column. I have never seen this before and I have no idea what it does. Any thoughts?

03-25-2019, 11:30 AM	#2
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: What is this? WTH? Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

03-25-2019, 11:45 AM	#3
cmayna Registered User Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Menlo Park, CA Posts: 90	Re: What is this? Warner overdrive? __________________ Craig My truck '50 Chevy 3100-5 window If I'm not working on my truck, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon. Last edited by cmayna; 03-25-2019 at 11:47 AM. Reason: typo

03-25-2019, 12:29 PM	#5
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: What is this? Where does it go after it goes thru firewall? Maybe something homemade... Looking closely you can see where it looks like the rod overlaps and is welded together...(1) Is this piece attached to it?... (2) Attached Images __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver Last edited by mongocanfly; 03-25-2019 at 12:38 PM.

03-25-2019, 04:25 PM	#6
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: What is this? I'm thinking that it is a hand actuator for the clutch or brake that has part of the linkage removed. Looking at it it might work as a "hill holder" for the brake pedal. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

03-25-2019, 07:34 PM	#7
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: What is this? ^^^ my 1st thought was an early brake lock, hill holder makes more sense for someone with small feet, never had a problem feathering the gas & brake with my 14WWWW stompers __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

03-25-2019, 08:05 PM	#8
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: What is this? ( 14WWWW stompers) Dang Ogre...!!!....I thought mine was big __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

03-25-2019, 11:00 PM	#9
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: What is this? Saving the photo and expanding it it looks like you push the lever down to hold the brake pedal, Probably pretty handy in the Geogia hill county if you don't have 14WWWW boots to work two pedals at one time. The guys from Seattle and San Francisco will say that they could have used one there too but a line lock will do the same thing. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

03-26-2019, 10:09 PM	#11
PDW HOTRODS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutherlin Oregon Posts: 502	Re: What is this? Could be hand control for disabled person. I new a guy that broke his back and lost use of legs. He had hand a control put in his 59 Chevy truck with 454 and he drove it hard.

03-27-2019, 10:44 PM	#13
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: What is this? Ok Sam, you going to let us know what this thing is? Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

03-29-2019, 01:05 PM	#15
No Handle Sam Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 26	Re: What is this? Some interesting guesses out there that is for sure. I have know idea what the thing is. But I can tell you that the "arm" moves up and down (it is spring loaded to stay in what I'm calling the up position) and it looks like it move some type of rheostat? There are a couple of wires that come out of the back side of the "rheostat housing" one of which goes to what I thought was the heater switch? Here are some additional pictures that might give someone a clue.

03-29-2019, 01:14 PM	#16
joedoh Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Doodah Kansas Posts: 7,774	Re: What is this? I change my answer. its a very old trailer brake controller. do a search for "vintage trailer brake controller warner" https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-War...-/273127947730 __________________ the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation if there is a problem, I can have it. new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393

03-29-2019, 01:15 PM	#17
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: What is this? A trailer brake? Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

03-29-2019, 01:19 PM	#18
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: What is this? And there ya go....brake controller....never seen one of them __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

03-29-2019, 01:27 PM	#19
No Handle Sam Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 26	Re: What is this? Really... Go figure? It sure looks like the one in the link that was posted. But silly question... why would it be wired to the heater switch? (or is that not a heater switch?)



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03-29-2019, 01:34 PM	#20
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: What is this? Reckon somebody used it as a on/off switch? __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

03-29-2019, 09:32 PM	#21
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: What is this? definite wall hanger for sure if you haven't bought a new wiring harness yet... you should that wiring looks very scary __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

03-30-2019, 10:37 AM	#22
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: What is this? JoeDoh for the win, My guess is that it is wired to the hot side of the heater switch as a simple source of power and not though the heater switch. I'd check it out to see if it still works and then carefully remove it as some vintage trailer guy with a similar truck might think it is the hot ticket especially if his truck is still six volt. That might be worth bragging rights around the camp ground. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

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