Help with Push button starter on 1966 Mustang

rcmarsh · 03-16-2008

I need some help with installing a push button starter. My brother just bought this 1966 Mustang about a year ago and it seem like he's been working on it for just about a year now. Anyways I need help on finding what wire do I connect to the button. I'm sure it's easy. I think it's ether wire number 32 or 21. Or do I just put 32 on one prong and 21 on the other to complete the circuit when the key is turned over? Or what I don't know so Thanks for any help.

IrishStang · 03-16-2008

Hello, and welcome to the forums... Glad you joined us!!

heavy metal · 03-16-2008

welcome to the site,enjoy!!!!

**white angel** · 03-16-2008

: Enjoy the site!

Check out the classic forums!!

**stlwagon** · 03-16-2008

Welcome... Let's see if any of the other classic members can assist.

dodgestang · 03-16-2008

I can't help you with the 'numbers' on the wires however I believe I can help you with the theory and you should be able to trace it down:

You ignition has 2 wires that go to the solenoid.
One goes to the run and one goes to the start post on the solenoid
Turn your key to to the run position and using you meter measure which wire is energized, this will be the one you want to keep on your ignition key.
When you turn the key to the start position the alternate wire will energize, this is the one you will want to move to your push button.

The alternate method would be to simply trace both wires through the wiring harness and determine which one is hooked to the start post and which one to the run post on the solenoid.

Here is a link to wiring diagram.
Vintage Mustang Wiring Diagrams

I 'assume' the hook up you are looking to make is:
Put key in the ignition
Turn key to run/on position
Push the button to engage the starter and have the car start
Release button have motor stay running
Turn key to off, shut motor off

The only trick will be wiring it so if you push the button without the key nothing happens....

andrewmp6 · 03-17-2008

Why you want a push button start trying to make it easier to steal?

Veronica · 03-17-2008

Hello.

: How that works is to run a wire from the back of the ignition switch to the foot switch and and another wire from the foot switch back towards the ignition switch, cut the red wire with the blue stripe ( which, I believe, actually is numbered 32 on the factory wiring diagrams) and splice your new wire into the end of the red/blue wire that takes off into the harness. That way the key has to be on for the foot switch to work. I can't help but wonder why someone would want to do something like that, though.

Keyed starter switches were considered to be an something of an improvement, kind of like hydraulic brakes and battery powered starter motors.

rcmarsh · 03-17-2008

Well the mustang he got really needs a lot of work. We thought we could and a push button some were out of sight for extra security that’s all. The only way to start it would be to have the key in the on protection and hit the button under the dash. But if someone really wants it bas enough they will find a way to take it. Plus it's his first car and I'm just taking the time out to try and help him out. Like a big brother should. So I want to tell everybody thanks for taking there time and helping me out. -Rick

andrewmp6 · 03-17-2008

No you can start it under the hood with a screw driver.A starter kill switch is a better idea or a battery discount switch.But the cheapest one i found is take the coil wire off.

thuggin · 03-19-2008

I installed a Grant detachable steering wheel component on my classic '66. I think it works great as a theft deterent. I look at it like this...without a steering wheel, the only way to get the car is to tow it. If they want it bad enough.,..thats just what they will do. Regardless of kill switches, battery cut offs, blah blah blah.

The upside to the detatchable steering wheel is... the rookies will look at it see there is not steering wheel and no way around it... and walk away. No breaking a window or even getting in the car to TRY to get it. You can look in and see that its useless.

The downside is you walk around looking like a fricken idiot with your steering wheel in your hand. hahahaha, and everyone wondering "what the hell is this guy driving". I also you loose about an inch of space between the wheel.

Hope it gives you another option for security.

bubbamace · 03-19-2008

Rick, buy a good security system. Thats all you can do. I'm talking from experience. Someone stole my 1963 Impala SS with the 409. They did this by towing it. I try to never let my Mustang out of my sight. Luckily for me, its just a toy to drive on the weekends.