How do I crank over my 49 Packard???

I bought an old 49 packard sedan that has sat behind my buddy's shop for many years. I don't have a book on the car and I plan to change all the rotted wiring but was curious as to what engages the starter. The ignition switch only has off and on. I've jumped the solenoid to crank the motor with jumper wire [starter works fine] but was wondering what it took to originally get the starter to crank? Looks like some switchware on the clutch pedal but the wiring is toast..
Also: What's the switch for on the left side of the steering column about 6 inches down from the wheel? Mine's siezed up and won't move. Maybe interior lights? TIA to the knowledgeable Packard guys.

 

How 'bout pushing the gas pedal all the way down to the floor? DD

 

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is there maybe a push button for the starter?

 

No and no...looking for answers from a real live packard-head that knows these cars but thanks..

 

Rocky,
One of my buddies in High School (Steve Varner I think) had an old packard that had a push button switch. The wiring on your clutch should be the equivelent to a neutral switch. Depress the clutch prior to starting.

 

I'm no expert, but I sure thought they had a on/off switch, might have been a toggle, then a push button start switch, on the dash.

Edit: looks like Porknbeaner types faster than I do!

 

Packardinfo.com or packardclub.com are good sites to start

 

Can't find a push button on the dash...I get a little info from my old Motors Manuals but nuttin about how to start the damn thing. Packard owners?

 

http://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=48321

 

The switch is on the carburetor. When the engine is off and there is no vacuum, the switch senses that the gas pedal has been pressed and triggers the starter if the ignition key is on.

The trick on my Dad's Packard was to first leave the key off and pump the gas pedal a few times, then turn the key on and press the pedal. It usually started right away.

You do not have to press the pedal all the way to the floor.

Say, maybe I AM older than the rest of you old farts?

 

I´m not a Packard guy but maybe the starter is actuated by the throttle linkage or switch in the throttle linkage....?

 

I´m not a Packard guy but maybe the starter is actuated by the throttle linkage or a switch in the throttle linkage....?

 

I restored a 47 clipper and unless a lot of things changed, it is reverse polarity and gas pedal to the floor to start it.

 

this post says the starter switch is under the gas pedal
http://forums.aaca.org/f134/clutch-issue-49-packard-218256.html

 

Thanks fellas! The wiring is so bad that depressing the pedal does nothing but at least I know how it's supposed to be...appreciate it.

 

I sure ain't one of those "real live packard-heads", but I sure do wish I had thought of that GAS PEDAL idea. DD