Why doesn't every truck have these?

[don4331]

Back when I was a student, I had a bad night: Rock went through the rad - wasn't big issue when it happened as it was cool night/hole was high on rad. So as long as I kept speed up, no issues with engine overheating. But when we got into Swift Current, the clutch release button went.

That good old Omni would start in 1st, so I drove it clutch-less to my buddies place. Next morning, we crimped the damaged fins shut, filled the radiator with water and drove from Speedy Creek to my parents place south of Regina (250+ km) without clutch.

Dropped transaxle, replaced the clutch, swapped rad, and drove the car for 2 more years. Then donated it to a friend with another Omni as parts car.

I've given couple people nice view of dash when switching to auto after driving manual - left foot puts clutch on floor, except it is just the wide brake pedal!

 

[1990RangerinSK]

I'll never forget borrowing my grandfather's 1985 Ranger. My car (1979 Toyota Corolla Deluxe wagon) was an automatic, and not highway worthy. I was planning a weekend trip away, so I asked to borrow the truck for the weekend. So, I drive the truck over to Grandpa's, park the car, grab the truck keys, and go to leave. I jump into the truck, turn the key, and NOTHING. So, I lift the hood, check the battery cables (they're tight), and then try again. NOTHING. So, I checked the battery cables again (yes, they're tight). So, I tried again, and NOTHING. That was when I realized the truck was a standard, and I needed to STEP ON THE CLUTCH to start it. So, I step on the clutch, start the engine, and as I'm getting ready to pull out of the yard, grandpa comes out to make sure everything's OK. I sheepishly said yes, bade him a good weekend, and drove away.