Re: Can I shut off the entire electrical with the key?
Yes it can be done, but requires some wiring changes.
If you have stock wiring then the hot side of the coil is connected to the terminal on the terminal box that comes from the ammeter. The other side of the coil is connected to one side of the ignition switch. The other side of the ignition switch goes to the distributor where the points will complete the circuit to ground.
First you must replace the ignition switch with a "power" switch. The ignition switch you have may be OK if it can handle the maximum current your car uses, typically 20-30 amps. To change the ignition switch to a "power" switch the wiring has to be modified. Remove the output wire from the ammeter and connect it to one side of the "power" switch. Connect the other side of the "power" switch to the now unused side of the ammeter. Connect the wire from the distributor to the ground side of the coil. Connect the hot side of the coil to the now switched terminal on the terminal box.
If done correctly all current, except starter, will go through the ammeter and "power" switch.
Bob
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