The perfect battery shutoff?

[Ron Pilger]

I’d prefer to mount an electrical shut-off in an easy-to-access location under the dash on my 34 Fords. What have you used in terms or product and how/where did you install the shut-off device? I’d prefer not to install under the battery access. Thank you.

[Angledrive]

I would use a latching relay used on motor homes. They will stay on or off without requiring power to hold. Mount near battery out of sight with under dash switch to activate on and off.
https://www.ebay.com/i/162948004989?chn=ps

[koates]

Ron, I fitted a battery cut off switch (older Lucas type with a twist knob) in the floor just in front of drivers seating position but behind the battery opening on my 34 Ford. This places the two switch terminals under the floor panel very close to the battery positive ground cable and easy to connect into. Don't have to run any unsightly heavy cables up the firewall. The floor mat or carpet just covers the switch if you want to hide it. Switch can be operated while you are sitting in the car and nobody can see you operate it. Good anti theft device. One hole (about 3/4") has to be cut into the floor panel though. Regards, Kevin.

[koates]

Originally Posted by Angledrive

I would use a latching relay used on motor homes. They will stay on or off without requiring power to hold. Mount near battery out of sight with under dash switch to activate on and off.
https://www.ebay.com/i/162948004989?chn=ps

Only problem with this relay is that it is 12 volt operation and wont work on an original six volt 33-34 Ford. Regards, Kevin.

[Ron Pilger]

Yes. I’m still 6v

[Tinker]

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You could run a short jumper up to the floorboard with a race cutoff. Lot's of little battery cables.



I don't have carpet or interior.... so I just lift the lid and run a "loose" connection that I pull. Yep my 36 is a bit of a driver.


Interesting Idea with a relay/solenoid to a switch shut off. Maybe this needs to be invented.

[Karl]

Originally Posted by koates

Ron, I fitted a battery cut off switch (older Lucas type with a twist knob) in the floor just in front of drivers seating position but behind the battery opening on my 34 Ford. This places the two switch terminals under the floor panel very close to the battery positive ground cable and easy to connect into. Don't have to run any unsightly heavy cables up the firewall. The floor mat or carpet just covers the switch if you want to hide it. Switch can be operated while you are sitting in the car and nobody can see you operate it. Good anti theft device. One hole (about 3/4") has to be cut into the floor panel though. Regards, Kevin.

Kevin do you have a part number for the cut off switch ? Karl

[Lawrie]

I used a modern heavy duty battery isolator on my 33 and 34,I mounted it on the firewall,just above the throttle pedal,run a heavy duty cable from the bat,and the other just a short run to the starter pedal switch on the steering box.easy to operaste from inside .
DONT use the cheap plastic ones with the red key thing,they wont start good on 6V
lawrie

[pooch]

I would not use an electrically operated solenoid as a cut off.

One of the main reasons you have a cut off is because of a wiring loom smoke down.

Then the electric solenoid will probably be dead for use.

[corvette8n]

I picked up a Cole-Hersee nos made in Boston like this, I think the current ones are made in Mexico or China.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by corvette8n

I picked up a Cole-Hersee nos made in Boston like this, I think the current ones are made in Mexico or China.

Awesome. May I ask where you found it? I would like to get one too.

[JSeery]

Boat supply places have this kind of stuff. And a lot of it is high quality.

[rotorwrench]

Those Cole Hersee 2484 battery master switches are rated for 175-amps continuous or 1000-amps intermittent so they should do the job. They are also available with a key switch and a key with a leg on it so you can actually turn it.

The Aerospace industry used to have some really good ones. Cole Hersee made a large single pole/double throw toggle switch P/N MS25106-21 that was great for a switch set up for either battery power or external power with three terminals but I don't think they make them any more (they never wore out). Most aircraft use electrical relays now days.

[Ggmac]

Speedway also has them and more

[petehoovie]

Yeah, a wide variety at Summit - pages and pages > https://www.summitracing.com/search/...nnect-Switches

[Old Redneck]

Thanks Angledrive I just ordered one for my 32.

[Lawrie]

Thats the one I use .
Lawrie

[TagMan]

Check the amperage limits on those switches. I found one from Dell City that was rated for twice the amperage than the one I bought from MAC'S.

[Bob/Ohio]

I have one like corvette8n has mounted in the front of my Model a seat riser next to the adjuster knob. Easy to reach while sitting in the seat, and out of the way.


Bob

[koates]

Originally Posted by Karl

Kevin do you have a part number for the cut off switch ? Karl

Karl, The Lucas switch I used was a NOS one I had and Lucas have not made them for years. But they are reproduced and sold in England by a Land Rover parts dealer. Continuous rating is 500 amps. (better than most) They sell on ebay so check ebay number 272181195680. They are very good and were fitted to Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Land Rover etc. Cost about US $25.00.plus shipping for the repro one which looks the same as the original Lucas. Regards, Kevin.

[corvette8n]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Awesome. May I ask where you found it? I would like to get one too.

eBay.

[deuce_roadster]

My perfect batter shutoff is my fingers. I always disconnect the + battery cable when putting the a car away. Yeah, on my 33 I have to bend down, fold the mat back and lift the wood cover. That is a lot less bother then several burned up cars and a burned up shop. The V8 times a few years ago had pictures of a guys garage that burned up toasting several expensive cars not to mention his shop and tools.
When I want to drive any of my old Fords, I can push on and twist the connecter onto the battery post and it starts and charges fine. I have been doing this for 20 years and never had any kind of problem. I hook/unhook the battery tender anyway so I am at the battery location. Works for me.

[FlatheadTed]

I have used the one that Pet Hoovy posted,Green knob no problems for years now ,it needs to be tight ,Ted

[tubman]

There are a lot of complaints about the ones with the green knob shown in "PeteHoovey"'s post, but I have used them for years. Every time I use one, I take a piece of sandpaper and make sure that the contact surfaces are clean and shiny. I've never had any problems with them. I'm sure they could become a problem if you let them get dirty or corroded.

[supereal]

I still use the often criticized "Green Knob" switch that mounts on one battery post. It is not expensive and doesn't require running heavy cables or other modifications. It is reliable, and the knob can be unscrewed and removed to foil theft.I have had them on all my cars. I get them from C&C (800-266-0470) as part number A-143000-C, $13. The also stock a permanent mount type, A-14300-D, $30.

[34fordy]

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Originally Posted by Ron Pilger

I’d prefer to mount an electrical shut-off in an easy-to-access location under the dash on my 34 Fords. What have you used in terms or product and how/where did you install the shut-off device? I’d prefer not to install under the battery access. Thank you.

Just curious as to why we do this ?--I have one on my 34 but it is the only car I have ever had one on--Is it because we value them so much?---Is the wiring so poor that it should be done?--Do I have no faith in my own work?--Why didn't Henry do this?--The electrical system on my car is so small and simple compared to cars produced now--What say ye_____________

[rotorwrench]

For the old cars, lack of fused circuits is the best reason. A burning wire can start a fire. It was relatively common for cars to catch fire back in the 19-teens & twentys.
Wiring got better in the thirtys & fortys but that old cloth covered stuff likes to deteriorate unless it is updated.

Most all aircraft still have a master switch so that the battery can be taken off line if problems arise. The recip aircraft all still have magnetos and turbines are good if the fire is still lit so they will keep running in the event of an electrical failure.

[FlatheadTed]

In the old wiring there's something Rats like ,latex ??

[50fordcoupeman]

I use one one because my solenoid caught on fire and I didn't have the proper size wrench with me to take a batt cable off. I now have a shut-off AND appropriate wrenches. I was lucky!!