Bad right hip has forced the development of an unusual skill. I have become fairly accomplished at operating the gas pedal with the left foot (easier than converting aftermarket cruise control to 6V/pos. grd.).

This has me thinking about antique hand throttles. Back in the early 60s, a guy in a 40 Ford coupe pulled into the gas station where I worked. He had a dash mounted hand throttle that I mistook for a choke control. This was the one-and-only example I have ever seen. So, I'm wondering if any of the older members could provide some info re: this device? Was it ever an official FoMoCo accessory? How did it function? Since I've never seen one offered for sale, I'm assuming it would have to be gerry-rigged from scratch (if feasible)? Perhaps with a manual hand choke cable, etc. Could easily be installed in the orig. dash lighter location, where it would be handy/accessible. If it doesn't work out, I might still use the cable assembly for a manual choke control if I eventually end up with John's new alum. manifold (no heat riser or 6V elect. choke).

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

The manual throttles were either to operate a PTO on a truck or to warm up the engine. Driving with one is very awkward and you really risk rear ending someone. I think the best setup I have seen for someone in your situation is a lever with a cable much like the caliper brakes on a bicycle.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

Daniel, I think if you check with a company or auto dealer that has a list of handicap accessories available you'll find what your looking for. We added hand throttle and hand brake to a customers pickup....it works great and is very safe and can be used with cruise control. Of course it might take a little "twinking" to make it work on an older car but it seemed likea pretty simple system.I don't remember the name of the company but you probably have one close or like I mentioned check with your local new car dealer they probably have infor. Hope  this helps

Location:Washington,Ia

Turns out the country's largest (?) van conversion outfit is only a few miles away. I should just drop by and nose around.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I bought a '53 Ford pickup in '71 that had a throttle pull on it. It was cool for about 2 trips on the highway. Took it out. I thought at first someone used the choke cable and rigged one up but this had a hole in the dashon the left side of the radio. Only one I have ever seen. 

55Birdman  Hickory NC

Early Fords (30's) had both a hand choke and a hand throttle. I'm not sure when these stopped.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

FORD's had pull out hand throttle's in cars up to '48, trucks at least into the '50's. Intended mainly for fast idle warm up.

Yes I had a '38 PU with a hand throttle and hand choke. Not to change the subject, but it also had a locking steering column... And yes it was stock.

BOB

I have a 70 Bronco that has a factory hand throttle in it.  It was for using the winch and wouldn't work well in my opinion for driving the rig.

Y-Guys:     My grandfather told me a lot of the trucks, back in the day,

           had a dash mount or ? throttle that a farmer could use to put the

           vehicle in "granny" low, pull the throttle out a "fuzz" and he could

           walk behind the truck and throw out hay or whatever for the cows...

                Also as mentioned earlier, a lot of vehicles had pto's to

          run pumps etc...         

                                            Bill

Bill

Pelham,Al