Aftermarket cruise control?

[johnshenry]

Wondering if anybody has installed one.  I'm a big cruise control freak on the highway, and find keeping my '69 280 at a constant speed to be a chore.  I do all my own work and would love to find something bolt on that can work.  Anyone?

TIA

JH

[Jonny B]

Contact Jim Villers through the forum. He has given presentations on the cruise control addition (along with several others - drill no holes, make no permanent modification items) at the Blacklick/PUB event.

[johnshenry]

Done.  Thanks Jonny.

[Volker]

Hi Jonny,

once you got a solution I would also be interested for my W111 280SE Convertible. As it is the same engine it should work without problems.

Volker

[johnshenry]

There are a number of universal kits available on eBay for $200-$400.  I installed one an '85 VW Cabrio years ago.  The challenges are:

1) Throttle control
2) Speed detection

The traditional throttle controls are vacuum servos.  I don't remember offhand what vacuum sources the 280 has, but I don't remember much.  Perhaps the brake power assist and that is about it.  Not the big vacuum reservoirs and vacuum controlled ventilation flaps like newer cars.  Good news is that some newer CC kits have pure mechanical/electric servos.  Getting a "pull point" on that throttle linkage in the engine bay should be no problem.

Speed detection shouldn't really be hard at all either.  With that fat assed driveshaft running to the rear, a typical zip tie magnet and pickup should be fairly easy to implement.

The fun part is doing it all without drilling any holes and just fabricating "clamp on" bracketry to fit on existing structure.  Looking forward to hearing what  Jim Villers has come up with....

[JimVillers]

I replied to several of John's emails but thought that I would also post it here for the record.

John .... Yes, I have installed cruise controls on all of my hobby cars.  I use the Audiovox CCS-100 vacuum unit that appears to be no longer available.  There is a "exact replacement" on eBay for $175.

My cars are not automatics so I can use the distributor as the speed sensor.  If you have an automatic, you may need to attach a speed sensor to the drive shaft.

The unit works very well.  I don't mount the control unit but let just sit on top of the rug behind the shifter.

[DavidBrough]

I've purchased an aftermarket cruise kit with an electric servo from Conrad Anderson here in the UK and a speed sensor that works on the speedo head as I heard that the prop fit ones can be unreliable. I haven't fitted it yet but it looks like it should be straight forward I will just need to see how effective and reliable the speed sensor is.

[DavidBrough]

Thought I would just update this topic as I've now fitted the cruise control which was fairly straight forward once I'd had a throttle bracket and actuating arm made. The speedo driven speed sensor works very well and the car is much more enjoyable on motorway journeys with speed limits easily observed.

[Jordan]

David, which unit did you install?  I have an Audiovox, the same one Jim mentions, but have not as yet installed it.  Hoping to do so this summer.

[DavidBrough]

I obtained mine from here :- http://www.conrad-anderson.co.uk/cruisecontrols/cruisecontrols-home.htm and the speed sensor from here :- http://sailesmarketing.com/products/transducers/66h66hm-transducer/

[Larry & Norma]

Hi David,
Would be nice to see some pictures of your installation if possible.
Larry

[DavidBrough]

HI Larry,

A few pictures attached.

[DavidBrough]

A Couple more pics

[Larry & Norma]

Thanks for that David, nice job

[thelews]

That's a very nice installation, David.  What are the lights/switches where the ashtray normally is?

[DavidBrough]

Hi John,

The extra switches are:-

1. Manual CSV activation
2. Intermittent wipers
3. Hardtop heated rear window

I used to have the CSV and wipers hidden away under the dash but when I had the HRW fitted in the hardtop decided to put them where the ashtray was, the jury is still out though and I may hide them again and put the ashtray back.

[thelews]

I used to have the CSV and wipers hidden away under the dash but when I had the HRW fitted in the hardtop decided to put them where the ashtray was, the jury is still out though and I may hide them again and put the ashtray back.

Well, that's where the heated rear window switch goes anyway.  I like the idea of where you intalled them.  The switches themselves may be a bit modern looking and a more vintage looking application (like the black knob ones from Pontons that you pull out/up, or a chrome one like pictured) could be more your taste.  Also, if the panel recessed into the hole rather than sit on top, it'd have a more customized look.  That said, it's one of the most professional looking installations I've seen and not objectionable in my opiinion.

[DavidBrough]

Thanks John, I am pleased with it and will change the switches for something more in keeping but haven't been able to find any yet.

[JimVillers]

David .... Excellent.  I had not seen the transducer that you utilized.  An better solution for an automatic car than the drive shaft sensor.  Did you mount it on the transmission or the speedometer? 

[DavidBrough]

Hi Jim,

It's mounted between the speedo head and the cable and fits nicely even though the space is limited and works very well.