Battery Disconnect Switch

[1950 Special Deluxe]

I am looking at installing a master disconnect/cut-off switch on the battery of my car. It says to put it on the negative terminal, thinking that all cars are negative ground. Should I put it on the positive lead?

Thanks

[Plymouthy Adams]

if you notice...the two post are of different sizes..ods are you will be getting a brass switch..the hole must match the post for good transfer of current..need to edit here..this applies to the battery mounted shut off switch..the rotary internal remote is cable operated..your choice with this one..

Edited March 18, 2010 by Tim Adams

[1950 Special Deluxe]

Thanks

Is this the right way to go?

I am having trouble with the door switch sticking.

Edited March 18, 2010 by 1950 Special Deluxe

[Plymouthy Adams]

this will save the battery drain till you get around to repairing your problem

[DonaldSmith]

I've got the battery clamps that have a big knob for disconecting the cable from the clamp on the battery post. I usually disconnect the positive (ground) cable to shut down the car's electrical system.

[JIPJOBXX]

I installed a main cut oft switch that has a plastic key in it and is installed down by where the steering wheel shaft goes through the firewall. It works great and it only cost 10 dollars. I turn it oft everytime I park the car for a week or so. Its an easy operation to put in place and you do not haft to open up the hood to turn oft your juice. Got some pictures some place here I will post them. Jon:cool:

[Plymouthy Adams]

JIPJOBXX...those who know Lucas..know that style switch very well..

[T120]

... As you have to pop the hood to switch the disconnect that is on the battery terminal I've never bothered to install one.I keep a 1/2" wrench handy and disconnect the cable if I'm parking the car for a length of time.

[JIPJOBXX]

Edited March 18, 2010 by JIPJOBXX

[JIPJOBXX]

I would say that it is easier to turn my hidden key under the dash than open up the hood. Beside every time you open the hood it puts that much wear and tear on the cable's that operate the hood latches.

This part of the reason I have jumper cables installed on my battery that lead out to the grill so I do not haft to open the hood to charge battery by doing so.

[T120]

...Looks good,Jon.I'm just a cheap kinda guy

[Don Coatney]

This part of the reason I have jumper cables installed on my battery that lead out to the grill so I do not haft to open the hood to charge battery by doing so.

If I understand you correctly you use these 8-10 gauge wires as jumper cables? How well do they carry the starter motor amperage? Also what gauge are your primary battery cables? They look to be a lot smaller than the recommended size for 6 volt applications.

Also what is the need for a battery disconnect? I leave my battery connected all the time and do not have any problems.

[T120]

I guess the reason I disconnect my battery is for peace of mind.Although I am reasonably confident in the wiring in my old car,I have seen where others have had electrical fires.So...if I'm leaving my car stored for an extended period,I disconnect the cable to the positive (gnd) terminal.Not required I guess,but I do it anyways.

[BobT-47P15]

I used a switch similar to jipjob's - only it has a metal body with a

switch handle (no key)......thru a hole that was in the firewall. Just

reach up under the dash, flip the switch, you're ready to go. Need

one additional cable in order to wire it in.

[JIPJOBXX]

What I ment by those cables that go to the grill is to attach my 6 volt battery charger too. I didn't mean I use those cables as a jumper. Just another way to put on trickle charger when I'm not driving the old rig.

[JIPJOBXX]

Don I have a very slight electrical short somewhere so I just turn oft all the juice when car is not being used for a long period of time.

[Plymouthy Adams]

big block up front..battery middle of the car..(most forward of the huge big butt trunk)...but forward thinking says have charging and jumper posts available..full size batter cables...fully capable..makes life simple again..

[48mirage]

I found a solenoid activated switch that I mounted in the + ground cable and activate it from a toggle under the dash. This came from the same supplier (speed shop) that has been listed as a source for the mechanical brake light switch. (I can't remember the name right now)

[DonaldSmith]

Watson's Street Works, www.watsons-streetworks.com. I bought their brake light switch. Works well.