I have a 1970 442 4 speed. To start the car you need to push in the clutch but my clutch pedal is missing the pin that would actuate the safety switch. Can I bypass this switch to get the car started.

 

Yes.
Just join the wires either side of the switch and remember to have the car in neutral when you start the engine! .
Did we really have big brother treating us as if we were devoid of common sense back then?.


Roger.

 

I think most people did back then, sooner or later.

- Eric

 

Not as far back, and maybe not as intelligent a fix but I had an 83 Chevy Cavalier (ugh!) with that switch. I took the connection apart, put a dime in there and never had any issue, was even able to push start it a couple of times. Worst new car I ever had or knew of. Bad paint, lousy rack and pinion steering, throttle body injection went bad, all in about three years.

 

Thanks for the help Roger I will give it a try... and your right, big brother thought we were all stupid!!!

 

Starting the car in gear and causing damage happens more than people care to admit. Jumping the switch is very easy.

 

That is not as goofy as 1974 when all cars had a seatbelt interlock. You had to have your seatbelt fastened before the car would start. Most dealers disconnected them upon delivery if the customer requested.

 

My '88 Buick H body handbook has a section describing how the car will put on you seat belt for you when you get in the car. Mine doesn't have this option, I very much doubt I would have bought the car if it did.


Roger.

 

" my clutch pedal is missing the pin that would actuate the safety switch"

How about putting a pin or bolt there and make that functional?

I don't like the Saturn's automatic shoulder belt that you get like it or not whenever it decides to go. You can end up with a shoulder strap but no lap belt.

Stepping on the brake in order to shift out of park is a feature I could do without. Why stop there?