Battery disconnect switch

parkerm

I have been searching for information about installing a battery disconnect switch on a positive ground vehicle and I have not found anything. Can anyone enlighten me about the type of switch I should buy and install?

Marvin

SuperDave

Speedway Racing Parts has a disconnect switch that will stand up to the current used by our 6 volt systems. They are mandated by many racing sanctioning bodies. Brand Name is Moroso,  I mount mine inside the grille and interrupt  the ground wire. It's almost completely hidden from view but is easy to access without opening the hood. Doesn't matter which side of the battery you disconnect. DON"T use those green things that connect to the battery post.. They WILL fail if used on 6 volts.. I have also seen them fail on a 56 TBird (12 V).

parkerm

SuperDave,

Thanks for the info especially about the green disconnects.  I just bought one at Hershey for $4.00 so no big loss.

I looked at Speedway Racing Parts but I did not see the unit you mentioned. I called them but they told me to call back on Monday and speak with the Tech department.

Thanks again,

Marvin

TOM-WA-

MARVIN:

THEY HAVE ALL KINDS OF THEM AVAILABLE.....

LOOK AT THIS LINK:

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=battery-disconnect+switch&tag=mh0b-20&index=automotive&hvadid=3522283987&ref=pd_sl_8kaenok8hm_e

railknight

I've used the knife type switch (made in U.S.A.) on my 6 volt Hudson for about two years with no issues. 

On Jay Leno's old car web site he suggests in one of his programs a battery disconnect switch for older vehicles.  Especially ones that still retain some or all of their original wiring.  This way, when you park the car after some use, a short circuit won't potentially grow into a major fire destroying the vehicle not to mention also taking with it the garage/house.

Dan   

parkerm

Okay I see there are several different models; since I have positive ground would I install it on the negative battery post?

Marvin

Glowplug

Marvin...

Inserting the switch in either positive or negative cable does not matter. Opening the circuit between the output and return of your battery is the purpose of the switch.

Ol racer

FYI

I use 3 types on my Hudson's and mount out of sight using a small Rod thru the grill or under running board to Turn. (A coat hanger wire will suffice). Pollak #544029, can be bought almost anywhere fo $21, Summit Racing  #SUM 1432 for $20 + Shipping. There is a popular HD switch that has a Red removable Key Handle  but dont have the part #... Any of those three are Best.

I agree that the round Green handle Switch that you unscrew to turn off/on are Unreliable...Sometimes they Dont shut off and sometimes they Wont permit starting possibly failing both ways.....

RonS

I used a knife switch (Amazons Wirth) for quite a long time. I removed it. Although Hudson starters don't draw as much amps as my 1950 Cadillac, it's close to Wirths capacity. The starter spins a bit faster with no kill switch. I just adjust the terminal nut to fit enough to remove the ground strap when parking for a long time. Also the knife switch has a opening spread too small for the Positive battery terminal. It is made to mount on the Negative terminal, which is fine. It looks a bit clumsy, but disconnects fast in an emergency. Ron