Overdrive relay question

JasonNC

I have finally worked up enough nerve to try to upgrade the overdrive system on my 48 to that of a 50 or better and take the kickdown switch out of the equation. I bought a overdrive relay (Autolite HRT4101) from Dave Kostanek years ago and I'm wondering if I can use it with a 12 volt setup. Does it matter about voltage when it comes to relays is the question.

Jason

hudsonguy

Jason,



Park W. is an expert at this sort of thing, he helped me out a bunch when I installed overdrive in my '49. Do you have his wiring diagram? I'm sure either he or other experts will chime in to answer your question.



Also, I agree with getting the kickdown switch out from under the gas pedal, but why not install it elsewhere so you can still benefit from that function? I mounted a new switch to the right and slightly below my headlight dimmer switch, so when I need a quick downshift I just have to tap the kickdown with my left foot. Works great. You can always go one more level of refinement, and have a toggle switch under the dash that will disable the relay when you know you're not going to be needing overdrive (like when you arrive in town, and will be there for a while).

JasonNC

I already have Park's diagram and he has been an invaluable source of information on my wiring questions in the past. I like the idea of putting the kickdown switch in the location you mentioned. In fact, I just ordered the four prong kickdown switch from the Jeepster Man today. I already have a toggle switch in place to cut off the old overdrive setup in place. I went back and read some old posts on the subject and it looks like Park has already answered my question.

Jason

Unknown

Dumb question: What's the problem with the kick-down switch?

Bryan

MikeWA

Kick-down switch was under the accererator pedal, and you had to "mash" the gas to kick it down out of overdrive (kind of like flooring it to make your automatic tranny shift down)- problem is, nobody wants to abuse their 60 year old engines that much anymore. So guys just move it somewhere else (mine is a cute little switch off a snow plow, mounted on the column).