Correct starter?, Foot Switch or Key Switch

Hello,

My 53 3B came to me with a cobbed together 12v Conversion.

I am currently trying to rebuild this jeep, and am wondering what is correct for my year jeep.

The current starter in my jeep is wired via a starting solenoid mounted on the firewall. ....Turn the key, and the starter engages.

I just picked up a 51 3A to steal some parts off of, and it came with a foot operated starter switch. ....turn key, and kick switch with foot, starter engages.

What was original for my Willys?

Thanks

Hi Pete.
My 53 came with the on-accessory key switch and the foot stater switch.
Hope that helps.

My 53 also came with a ON/Off/Assessory switch and foot starter switch. I plan to keep the foot starter switch even with my rebuild. Think of it as an added security system, how many people today remember foot starters?

The later CJ-3A's have a mechanically actuated bendix.
The early CJ-3B's have a centifugal/automatic actuated bendix.

The early 3B start switch is mounted on the floor just above the starter.
The start switch is capable of high ampere loads.
Unlike a solenoid it is not activated from a remote key switch.

The key switch for early 3B is like that of the late 3A.
It only has terminals for ON/OFF and ACC's.
With no START terminal connecting to a solenoid.

So, I guess I'll go with the starter with the foot switch from the 3A??


Oldtime..... Are you saying that the starters are different between models?


Thanks

My 3b also has the foot switch.
The 3a has the kick switch i believe. No button just a rod to the starter on the floor.

What Oldtime is saying is that both the 3a and the 3b had a foot starter switch, but the 3a switch was a mechanical linkage to the starter, whereas the 3b's was an electrical connection. They may have switched that over later, but I'm just not sure. If yours works, you can leave it, it's just not original.

The 3A has an overunning clutch drive while the 3B uses a Bendix Folo-Thru drive.
Besides that the 3A has 97 tooth ring gear while 3B is 126 tooth.

Ahhh, now I understand!

Thanks everyone

Mine, which I believe is also a 1953 model (435-GB2 11382) has a key start. As far as I can tell it's original...maybe they changed over in mid-year?

That should read 453-GB2.
No.... a CJ3B always has a foot start switch prior to 1957.
For a CJ3B the foot start is synanomous with the individual instrumentation dash panel.
Look at your original floor pan and notice the mounting holes for the foot start switch located just above the starter itself.

My 54 has the foot starter button on the floor to the right of the tranny cover. It was only wired to the starter no mechanical connection. So the key switch was wired to the floor button.
I trail ride my jeep and found it very difficult to start the jeep on a hill by turning on the key switch and depressing the clutch and then reaching clear over to the right side of the floor board to push the start button. Most times my wife was with me so she would push the start button while I depressed the clutch and held my right foot on the brakes, and some times pulling out the e-brake. Quite a chor if by yourself jeepin.
So I have added a Ford type solenoid to the firewall wired it from the ignition switch and then put a push button start on the dash where I can reach it. This makes a big difference if you "jeep" your jeep. If just running it on the streets for show the button on the floor is no biggy, and like was mentioned no body knows what it is for. ( light dimmer switch? )
Dick W.

Williams is quite right on this one. I have not grown a second right foot just yet. It is very hard to clutch, brake and start the jeep all at the same time. I've reached down and hit it with my hand before.

Well, it may not fit in a conventional way of thinking but if I may, my technique works very well on steep hills (both paved and in the bush). I developed this technique as I didn't have a functioning hand brake.

Take the vehicle out of gear, RIGHT foot on the brake. Transfer LEFT foot to hold the brake. Use the RIGHT foot to normally start and pump the gas to get the engine going.

After this point we're done. Now it's just a common technique of moving from a dead stop on a hill.

Transfer RIGHT foot back to the brake pedal. Engage clutch with LEFT foot and get in gear. Slowly let out clutch till you hear a drop in engine RPM (if this is difficult a tiny pull on the throttle cable can help), then transfer RIGHT foot from brake to gas pedal. Give it gas and let out the clutch.

Easy.

Rus,
Did you ever try to crank your vehicle while in gear with the clutch out?
Works best with 4 wheel low range.


Buddy