Button on floor 52 M38

[Heapofajeep]

Whats the button on the floorboard to the right of the gas pedal for? I’m not talking about the starter button on the fire wall. However there is another button there about the size of a half dollar.

[Chuck W.]

foot rest.

[dpcd67]

Yep; all WW2 jeeps and the M38 has that. Look in your TMs.
I always questioned the utility of it (no other vehicles have it), but then WW2 jeeps have several less than practical pieces to them. Like the rear foot rests; a complete waste of valuable wartime steel and labor.

[sjalbert]

Yep; all WW2 jeeps and the M38 has that. Look in your TMs.
I always questioned the utility of it (no other vehicles have it), but then WW2 jeeps have several less than practical pieces to them. Like the rear foot rests; a complete waste of valuable wartime steel and labor.

Foot rest is for when your using the hand throttle (which seldom happens). You've never tucked your boot under the rear foot rest on uneven terrain if you don't think the rear foot rests are practical

[dpcd67]

And yet it was not worth the effort to install it on any other vehicle on earth. Rear foot rests? Useless and not used on anything else either; and I never wore boots that will fit under them. Even if your shoes fit, it sounds like a good way to break your ankle.

[Ron D]

I guess it depends on whether you want to keep and restore your jeep with the original features or not?
Whether or not you use them, or think they make sense or not, doesn't have much to do with it.

Some folks recommend others get, read, study, and use the technical manuals.
That's always good advice in this hobby. Makes for informed decisions.

[dpcd67]

Definitely do not misunderstand me; I am for 100% originality and authenticity in all restorations. In no way did I ever suggest not installing the foot rest button. I always put them in my restorations.
I'm just commenting on their utility. Come over and I'll show you some detailed restorations; working on a WC63 right now.
I am the one who says get and read all your TMs like I do, every day. I am also allowed to comment on how I see the design flaws; called my opinions.
I did not say not to install it; in fact, it is mandatory to install it.

[DogDoc]

I put my right heel on the foot rest when starting my GPW. I always feel it helps put more direct downward pressure on the starter switch. Not sure they had that in mind but it seems at least a little bit logical.

Jay

[mdainsd]

The "footrest" makes controlling the throttle much better in rough terrain. Your foot is braced right next to the accelerator pedal. It eliminates that bucking when trying to regulate speed through the rough stuff.