Technical TECH WEEK - Ford Spoon Throttle Pedal Update

I don't know what it is about a Ford throttle pedal, it just seems like the perfect blend
of art deco form and function. Why anyone would pull one out to use something else
is beyond me.

They do pose a small problem for later engine installations, since the rod is on the wrong
side most later carburetors.

We can fix that, and make it look like Henry designed it that way.

Stock assembly


Removed

 

Transfer the angle of the rod in relation to the pedal to some cardboard.

 

Drive the pin out of the pedal assembly that attaches it to the cross-shaft

 

Now reverse the cross-shaft and lever, making it come up on the right side.

 

Position the pedal, using the diagram, to the same angle as before, and mark.

 

Drill it, and pin it.

 

Modify the hold down bracket so that the cross shaft can come all the way through.

 

Slowly bend the spring so that the end holding the arm faces the other direction.

 

Reassemble.

 

I made a small tab to hold the end of the spring, that is held on with the stock upper screw.

 

Very cool.

 

Done!

And it works as smoothly as the original.

 

Cool, and fully thought through for simplicity, proper appearance, and function!
A minor note...Ford throttle assemblies '32-48 all, as far as I know, have the same size rod as the mainshaft...this means that any of them can be spliced into whatever spoon you have. V8 ones come in more than one length, and the various 4 and 6 cylinder ones give some extra variants. '32-4 use the dual purpose stamped hold-down support shown, others generally have two of the eye bolts like the single one on '32's. There's no reason or excuse for putting in a cable...

 

Awesome work! Something I hadn't even considered when planning out mine.

 

You got my vote

 

what does a stock aussie or brit car gas linkage look like ?

 

I haven't taken a photo of it as such but you can see it on my roadster here, this is the best photo I could find right now. both 4 and V8 used the same pedal assembly.

 

thanks , that is a nice looking ride , love the flattie

 

Cool, im going to try this on my 34

 

My approach was slightly different. I removed the '32 pedal from the horizontal shaft. I used a piece of round stock and started bending. The right end incorporates the original throttle return spring. The firewall bracket was replaced with a new one made from square tubing. The left end extended out to line up with my throttle. Note that the engine is a 4 cylinder and the throttle is farther to the left than a regular V8.

Charlie Stephens

 

Any of you Antipodeans, Britons, or Canadians have a decent picture of throttle linkage on a WWII CMP type truck?
Especially the under hood part.

 

Thanks Bruce,

That means a lot coming from you.

Rich

 

to the OP, great job! I made a V8 assembly out of a B model one and it works well.

Wondering if a new thread should be started on what pedal assemblies look like so as not to draw away from the rodsters great work.

 

spoons are the best, I'm installing one in my 46 Tudor


Sent from my SM-G935V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Looks like one on 48-52 ford truck too

 

Remember the the spoons were used with a mushroom footrest beside the pedal...having only the pedal forces your foot to pretty much support itself in position. Foot goes solidly on the footrest for stability and comfort, and then a slight roll of the foot sets your pedal use. Just a spoon hanging in the air would be uncomfortable in a hurry. Stolen picture:

 

My last car had one, I loved it. And a modified spoon.

 

Can't fool me...I know a spatula when I see it!

 

Rich,

GREAT MOD!

My bro-in-law did a similar mod to the throttle pedal on his '40 truck, but we haven't gotten it together far enough to see how it is going to work on his '40.

I did mine backwards, on my '40 stake truck, slightly tweaking the arm to clear the distributor, and attaching to the kickdown hole on the carb. (Using a manual transmission, so there is no need for a kickdown for me.) Also, once I have the fundage to rebuild my bored and stroked flatty, I won't have to find another stock throttle linkage when I swap it in place of the 283.

Doug's truck will be using a 350TH transmission, so keeping his on the driver's side will help with dealing with the kickdown cable.

 

I know this is an old post but can anyone tell me what size the pin is that runs through the pedal assembly and cross-shaft shaft?

EDIT: the pin is slightly larger then an 1/8 in diameter.