Cruise control
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Basically, the speedo cable runs thru a transducer which controls a vacuum can linked to the carb which manages throttle position. You'd need the two speedo cables, the transducer, can, linkage(s), brackets, switch and some wiring skills. Also, the later C3's used a stalk for dim/highbeams, in the end of which was the cruise button. An AIM from a year (such as '78) with this option should show necessary details.
Some notes about operation: This system didn't have all of the usual on/off/accel/deccel/resume functions you might expect nowadays. You pretty much pushed the set button at the speed you wanted and disengaged with the brake pedal. Been so long since mine was functional (re-purposing the transducer), I can't remember if it accelerated as long as you held the button and set a new speed where you released it or not. I'd wire in a safety to avoid the engine revving if put out of gear. Hope that helps.
TSW
Some notes about operation: This system didn't have all of the usual on/off/accel/deccel/resume functions you might expect nowadays. You pretty much pushed the set button at the speed you wanted and disengaged with the brake pedal. Been so long since mine was functional (re-purposing the transducer), I can't remember if it accelerated as long as you held the button and set a new speed where you released it or not. I'd wire in a safety to avoid the engine revving if put out of gear. Hope that helps.
TSW
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
It is quite possible to install a later year's cruise system on an earlier C3. But, for the cost and trouble and the quality of the cruise system, it's a lot easier to install an electronic aftermarket cruise unit. But, if you want it to be a Chevy system, go for it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 4
From: Regina Saskatchewan
Mine wouldn't hold worth a damn. I tried adjusting it. Mechanic tried adjusting it. 60 mph accelerate to 70 mph, decelerate 60 mph accelerate to 70 mph..... Like a bloody roller coaster. It was useless. Couldn't use it without getting sick and using a ton of gas.
When I switched out to Vortec heads, I threw all the parts in the bush. (that pile in the bush is growing
)
Someday I made add modern cruise.
When I switched out to Vortec heads, I threw all the parts in the bush. (that pile in the bush is growing
)Someday I made add modern cruise.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 2
From: gold coast queensland
i used to have cruise in my 81 . it used to operate very smooth except on 60 mph . it didnt know how to do that speed. it either wanted 65 or 55. any other speed was no problem but i changed carbs and cleaned out the engine bay. i didnt really use it very much and would even less now with a more angry motor.
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