1955 what is this pedal for?

[JimLeanna55Bird]

Just got this 1955 T-bird with the 292 and 3 speed auto trans. Noticed this little round pedal on the left side firewall above the floor mounted dimmer switch. I thought it was just a foot rest but it can be pushed in and has a cable attached. Any idea what it is for?

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[Greensman]

It could be for a Bermuda bell popular in early 69’s. It probably wouldn’t have had cable though. The large bell was below floor board with high pitched ding dong as with taxis in Bermuda.

 

[Rust]

It is the foot pump to send washer fluid on to the windshield.

 

[Tom Alpers]

It's the pump lever for the windshield washer squirter. The cable runs over to the windshield wiper switch and turns the wipers on when you push on the pedal.

 

[cokefirst]

It is for the windshield washer pump. Someone stated above that there is a cable that turns on the wipers when this is pushed, I do not believe that the Thunderbird had that ability in 1955.

 

[Rust]

It is for the windshield washer pump. Someone stated above that there is a cable that turns on the wipers when this is pushed, I do not believe that the Thunderbird had that ability in 1955.

I think you are correct.

 

[JimLeanna55Bird]

It is for the windshield washer pump. Someone stated above that there is a cable that turns on the wipers when this is pushed, I do not believe that the Thunderbird had that ability in 1955.

Correct I have a separate wiper switch on my dash.

 

[Tom Alpers]

Correct I have a separate wiper switch on my dash.

The cable connects to the wiper switch.

 

[cwrev]

Just got this 1955 T-bird with the 292 and 3 speed auto trans. Noticed this little round pedal on the left side firewall above the floor mounted dimmer switch. I thought it was just a foot rest but it can be pushed in and has a cable attached. Any idea what it is for?
View attachment 32252

That is the windshield washer , it is operated by your foot. Should have a tube coming in from a water bag mounted on the fender under the hood. It also has a tube under the dashboard going to the sprayers on the frame in front of the windshield. Hope this helps you.