Battery cutoff switch antitheft
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Battery cutoff switch antitheft
I'm trying to design a security feature on my 68.
I'd like to install a battery cutoff switch that I can disconnect and remove the key.
Will this one work....
180 Amp Keyed Main Battery Switch
Sealed battery disconnect switch is rated for 180 amps continous, and 1000 amps in-rush. Suitable for electrical systems ranging from 6 volts to 36 volts. One piece die cast housing is 2 5/8" in diameter and 4 1/8" long. Mounting stem is 3/4" in diameter and 25/32" long. Single Pole (on - off), Single throw wiring terminals are 3/8" studs. Switch is key operated.
A friend is arguing that it should be close to 500 amps continous b/c what if its a cold day and it takes you 20 seconds to start your car instead of the usual 2 second spike of major voltage to the starter.
If this will not work, does anyone have any suggestions?? Must be able to remove the switch like a key.
Thanks
Found the above on www.wiringproducts.com Select "Switches, Relays, Flashers" on left menu then "Battery Disconnect Switches" then second from top. Neat site.
I'd like to install a battery cutoff switch that I can disconnect and remove the key.
Will this one work....
180 Amp Keyed Main Battery Switch
Sealed battery disconnect switch is rated for 180 amps continous, and 1000 amps in-rush. Suitable for electrical systems ranging from 6 volts to 36 volts. One piece die cast housing is 2 5/8" in diameter and 4 1/8" long. Mounting stem is 3/4" in diameter and 25/32" long. Single Pole (on - off), Single throw wiring terminals are 3/8" studs. Switch is key operated.
A friend is arguing that it should be close to 500 amps continous b/c what if its a cold day and it takes you 20 seconds to start your car instead of the usual 2 second spike of major voltage to the starter.
If this will not work, does anyone have any suggestions?? Must be able to remove the switch like a key.
Thanks
Found the above on www.wiringproducts.com Select "Switches, Relays, Flashers" on left menu then "Battery Disconnect Switches" then second from top. Neat site.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I have the Battery Master(red removable handle) on my RV no problems.edit-its the one in the pic just below yours at that site-my 454 when hot after coming off highway turns over hard-I start it with both batterys through the shutoff-your switch has better specs.
Last edited by ...Roger...; Sep 13, 2006 at 09:18 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by MotorHead
Do you have an MSD ignition ?
How would that change/benefit things? just add it to the parts needed list
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,649
Likes: 189
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
MSD ingnition has a anti theft deterrant, you ground a wire that comes off it and you can't start it. You just hide the switch, that's what I did, I feel fairly safe with it, I don't leave the car anywhere for extended periods of time though. That is what you had in mind for a battery cutoff ? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by MotorHead
MSD ingnition has a anti theft deterrant, you ground a wire that comes off it and you can't start it. You just hide the switch, that's what I did, I feel fairly safe with it, I don't leave the car anywhere for extended periods of time though. That is what you had in mind for a battery cutoff ?
Im guessing this can be adapted to any ignition as long as it doesnt interfere with the output.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by MotorHead
MSD ingnition has a anti theft deterrant, you ground a wire that comes off it and you can't start it. You just hide the switch, that's what I did, I feel fairly safe with it, I don't leave the car anywhere for extended periods of time though. That is what you had in mind for a battery cutoff ?
No car is safe hehe.
I just wanted an extra step to make me feel safe aside from removing the battery from the car if I keep it in my "garage" or park it at work for the day.
If someone wants my car then they'll get it one way or another, but I'd like to make it as difficult as possible!
Now how do you block a flatbed??
Will that stitch I have listed in my first post be alright for my purpose or do I need a higher amp one? thats the highest I've yet to find.
Thanks guys
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
Ever see the movie Gone in 60 Seconds??
No car is safe hehe.
I just wanted an extra step to make me feel safe aside from removing the battery from the car if I keep it in my "garage" or park it at work for the day.
If someone wants my car then they'll get it one way or another, but I'd like to make it as difficult as possible!
Now how do you block a flatbed??
Will that stitch I have listed in my first post be alright for my purpose or do I need a higher amp one? thats the highest I've yet to find.
Thanks guys
No car is safe hehe.
I just wanted an extra step to make me feel safe aside from removing the battery from the car if I keep it in my "garage" or park it at work for the day.
If someone wants my car then they'll get it one way or another, but I'd like to make it as difficult as possible!
Now how do you block a flatbed??
Will that stitch I have listed in my first post be alright for my purpose or do I need a higher amp one? thats the highest I've yet to find.
Thanks guys
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,443
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Probably about a year ago i installed (don't laugh) a removable key battery diconnect switch from "JCWhitney" I did a post on it.
For racing safety reasons i installed a battery cutoff switch that i can reach to in case of a fire or crash.
It also solved my battery drain during prolonged sitting and it's a perfect antitheft device.
For racing safety reasons i installed a battery cutoff switch that i can reach to in case of a fire or crash.
It also solved my battery drain during prolonged sitting and it's a perfect antitheft device.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by gkull
Probably about a year ago i installed (don't laugh) a removable key battery diconnect switch from "JCWhitney" I did a post on it.
For racing safety reasons i installed a battery cutoff switch that i can reach to in case of a fire or crash.
It also solved my battery drain during prolonged sitting and it's a perfect antitheft device.
For racing safety reasons i installed a battery cutoff switch that i can reach to in case of a fire or crash.
It also solved my battery drain during prolonged sitting and it's a perfect antitheft device.
I found the one above which actually has a key & tumbler for the battery disconnect. Thats what I want to install.
GKULL, found this thread. Which one did you end up using?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=772833
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...+master+switch
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,443
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I have the red key 500 amp unit and it's never had a problem. I have a 900 or 950 CCA battery and it just zings my high amp mini starter. I just cut my big Pos battery cable going to the starter and soldered on big lugs.
My 79 has the 3 lid storage boxes. (battery - small center - tool box) I cut the battery cable in the middle box and mounted the switch so I can reach it even strapped in my 5 point. Right between the seats on the rear of the console
My 79 has the 3 lid storage boxes. (battery - small center - tool box) I cut the battery cable in the middle box and mounted the switch so I can reach it even strapped in my 5 point. Right between the seats on the rear of the console
Last edited by gkull; Sep 14, 2006 at 04:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by gkull
I have the red key 500 amp unit and it's never had a problem. I have a 900 or 950 CCA battery and it just zings my high amp mini starter. I just cut my big Pos battery cable going to the starter and soldered on big lugs.
My 79 has the 3 lid storage boxes. (battery - small center - tool box) I cut the battery cable in the middle box and mounted the switch so I can reach it even strapped in my 5 point. Right between the seats on the rear of the console
My 79 has the 3 lid storage boxes. (battery - small center - tool box) I cut the battery cable in the middle box and mounted the switch so I can reach it even strapped in my 5 point. Right between the seats on the rear of the console
If its not a lot of trouble, I'd love to see how it looks in that location.
If you have any pics please post or send to doogie1101@hotmail.com
Thanks GKull.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Wouldn't a battery cutoff switch mounted near the battery be very easy to bypass? I use one of those silly green plastic wheels, and when you are disconnecting the battery you can turn the wheel until it comes completely off and take it with you.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 25
From: Killearn Scotland
Theft deterant
If your main reason behind this is theft deterant, I would suggest that you leave the battery alone and instead put a hidden switch that interupts or grounds the ignition circuit.
This is mutch easier to hide, and can be used with a key switch for added security.
If some rascal tries to steal your car and the engine won't even turn over, they will look for a battery isolator, and there's not too many places they can go (also quite esy to trace battery cables).
If instead the engine turns over but fails to start, then they are more likely to keep trying to start it (pumping the gas, pulling the choke out, keeping the gas pedal down etc.). The battery will flaten and the car doesn't get nicked!
That's how I have always secured my cars, and (touch wood) I've never lost one!
Removing rotor arms etc is always an option, but I got fed up with that hassle years ago...
Just my tuppence-worth,
Douglas.
This is mutch easier to hide, and can be used with a key switch for added security.
If some rascal tries to steal your car and the engine won't even turn over, they will look for a battery isolator, and there's not too many places they can go (also quite esy to trace battery cables).
If instead the engine turns over but fails to start, then they are more likely to keep trying to start it (pumping the gas, pulling the choke out, keeping the gas pedal down etc.). The battery will flaten and the car doesn't get nicked!
That's how I have always secured my cars, and (touch wood) I've never lost one!
Removing rotor arms etc is always an option, but I got fed up with that hassle years ago...
Just my tuppence-worth,
Douglas.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by Blue Juice
If your main reason behind this is theft deterant, I would suggest that you leave the battery alone and instead put a hidden switch that interupts or grounds the ignition circuit.
This is mutch easier to hide, and can be used with a key switch for added security.
If some rascal tries to steal your car and the engine won't even turn over, they will look for a battery isolator, and there's not too many places they can go (also quite esy to trace battery cables).
If instead the engine turns over but fails to start, then they are more likely to keep trying to start it (pumping the gas, pulling the choke out, keeping the gas pedal down etc.). The battery will flaten and the car doesn't get nicked!
That's how I have always secured my cars, and (touch wood) I've never lost one!
Removing rotor arms etc is always an option, but I got fed up with that hassle years ago...
Just my tuppence-worth,
Douglas.
This is mutch easier to hide, and can be used with a key switch for added security.
If some rascal tries to steal your car and the engine won't even turn over, they will look for a battery isolator, and there's not too many places they can go (also quite esy to trace battery cables).
If instead the engine turns over but fails to start, then they are more likely to keep trying to start it (pumping the gas, pulling the choke out, keeping the gas pedal down etc.). The battery will flaten and the car doesn't get nicked!
That's how I have always secured my cars, and (touch wood) I've never lost one!
Removing rotor arms etc is always an option, but I got fed up with that hassle years ago...
Just my tuppence-worth,
Douglas.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
We had this same discussion a few weeks ago
If you want a heavy duty cutoff switch here ir is
http://www.spectorracing.com/catalog..._terminal.html
If you want a heavy duty cutoff switch here ir is
http://www.spectorracing.com/catalog..._terminal.html
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 117
Likes: 8
From: SWFL
Flaming River has some nice HD cutoffs - one of the deterrents I have installed is the removable key unit:
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cf...prod/prd66.htm
Phil
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cf...prod/prd66.htm
Phil