IML: '64-66 Auto-Pilot Pull Knob, In Need of One and Tutorial

["Eric" <gearhead@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Since this subject came up, I'll pipe in on this thread as I have a need for 
the pull-out button knob for a ''64-66 Imperial Auto-Pilot. If anyone has a 
spare pull-out knob rolling around in their glove box and you are sure 
you'll never ever need it as a spare, I'd appreciate a note back off-list.

Eric, on the forward, unseen side of the pull out knob stem is a metal disk 
that comes into contact with an electromagnet to make the electric 
connection that engages the speed holding feature. The magnet then holds the 
disk firm to it until the knob is manually pushed in, or the brake pedal is 
applied which.cuts the power to the magnet releasing the disk. That pull out 
knob should spin freely unless it is making it's electrical contact. There 
is a fairly fragile power feed connector on the stationary magnet side and 
you'll want to be careful of it while manipulating the disk.You will enter 
this danger zone when you reach up from under the dash to push the disk to 
the magnet so that you can then secure the allen screw on the pull out knob. 
Have your allen wrench inserted and ready to tighten the set screw on the 
knob with one hand while holding that disk back under the dash with the 
other hand.

Or, if it is all hooked up and in working order, the easy way is to turn the 
ignition to the ON position and reach in with some needle nose pliars and 
pull out the stem so that the magnet makes contact and holds the stem out. 
This is necessary to gain access to the set screw on the pull out knob, 
otherwise the set screw is buried in the rotating dial knob.

Of course, our "I cannot live without this" website (see survey results 
http://www.imperialclub.com/OIC-specific/oic-survey.htm ) has this in less 
detail in the '64 FSM, 
http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1964/FSM/html/01-005.htm
and the '65 FSM has a diagram depicting what appears to be the knobs for the 
'63-64 Chrysler Auto-Pilot, 
http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1965/65FSM/01-05.htm

About the rotating dial knob, that knob should not push in and out. It 
sounds like the ring nut isn't installed to secure it to the dash..To my 
recollection, it is held down by a ring nut like the headlamp switch or 
radio posts are held in by.

In use, you feel back pressure at the throttle once your preset speed is 
reached. You pull out the knob and it is held out by connecting to the 
electromagnet. At this moment, you can feel through the gas pedal a latching 
of the speed control mechanism taking over control of the throttle. To speed 
up or slow down, rotate the dial knob to the proper setting. To turn off, 
hit the brakes or push in the knob. These are fine cruise control units by 
Perfect Circle. All the big three auto manufacturers used them during this 
period. Hope this helps.

Eric
Lebanon, Oregon
_________________________________________________________________________
From: Bogart3147@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: 1965 Auto Pilot dash switch
That's a good question.  I do know that the knob on the dash is  supposed to
pull out as that is how the system knows when you've set it, but I  don't 
know
if it's supposed to spin freely.  I have to repair my speedo, so  my
Auto-Pilot only works at the lowest setting, so I haven't played with it 
much.  My
guess would be that to change your current setting, push the knob  in, 
change
the setting, then pull it back out to engage the new setting. Timothy 1965 
Crown 4-door
    *******************************************
After having my dash apart for the better of two years I can't recall how
the auto pilot switch on the dash board re-assembles.  It has three pieces, 
the
round fat washer with the two prongs, then the large knob that matches the
others, and then the center button that pulls out.  All three pieces have 
the
allen screw.  If I tighten the fat spacer allen screw low on the shaft  so
that it turns the dial then the center shaft will not move in or out, if  I 
don't
tighten it, the the dial behind the dash spins freely on it's own when  the
know pops out....   Does anyone know how this mechanisim is  supposed to 
work
in the first place?  Is the larger knob even supposed to  pop out?  I have
never used it, but when driving around I know that it is  working as far as 
speed
control works, I can feel the back pressure in the  accelerator, which 
changes
as I fidle with the dial.....  Have I  forgotten a part, or am I missing
something?    Thanks for any help       Eric



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