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Battery disconnect switch

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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 12:41 PM
  #1  
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Default Battery disconnect switch

Has anyone used a disconnect switch like one of these. Looks a little more heavy duty than the knife switches
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...8&autoview=sku
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 12:57 PM
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Gordon,
I have one just like it. I installed mine in front of the compartment behind the passenger seat. I cut a hole in the container in the compartment for the key to fit thru. This way I can get to it with my right hand from the driver's seat.
Bernie
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 01:38 PM
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I assume you cut off the negative cable. Therefore if the positive is shorting out before the switch it will cut off any power.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 02:39 PM
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I bought an extra length of negative cable and ran it so that it isn't noticable but it is very easy to get to. Anytime I leave the car I take the key with me.
Bernie
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 03:53 PM
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same disconnect switch my buddy uses in his '79 Greenwood Daytona.
He seems pleased with it.

I just use the simple ****-type disconnect on both of my vettes and never had a problem but on things like this is really nothing more than personal preference.

to answer an earlier question in the thread, it's best to put the cut-off switch on the ground cable. that way you cut off any possible ground potential in all the circuts, especially if something stupid happens like dropping a wrench and it falls on both the positive and negative terminals of the battery shorting it out.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 07:02 PM
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I am not sure why you think you need something more heavy duty. I have had the knife blade disconnect on my 72 for five years and it is robust and durable. I know a lot of Corvette owners with the knife blade cutoff.

Yours looks adequate though and should do the job well.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 07:09 PM
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I use the keyed switch just to slow down a would be thief. Also, it its location, it will take longer to find. Not a lot of extra safety but it may be enough to keep them from getting it before being caught.
Bernie
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 07:27 PM
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I am really perplexed as to why you feel the blade-type is inadequate. It's very sturdy.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 08:28 PM
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I had a resto mechanic tell me my old knife blade had a very weak connection with the battery. He said it was poorly made and didn't make good contact with the terminal. That, he said was part of my poor starting problem a few years back.

He installed a new switch type. I'll see if I can get a pic.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 08:31 PM
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Any of the disconnects mentioned should be more than adequate, the Hella switch in question or ones like it are often used as fender mounted kill switches in racing. There are photos of it installed on my website listed below
or <CLICK FOR LARGER VIEW

Last edited by 73-84 IMSA Widebody; Sep 18, 2006 at 08:35 PM.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 08:41 PM
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This is mounted between the seats. When I get new carpeting I'm going to cut a hole so that only the lever will be exposed. When I leave the car, I'll take the handle.




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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 09:41 PM
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I've used the ****-type for the past 10 yrs on my corvettes with no problem......just reach in and turn. There's not enough room for the knife type and I didn't want to cut any holes. I disconnect the battery every time I turn off the car. I also use the Battery Tender off and on between starts. I've been told the restoration battery I'm using can sulfate very quickly (1-2 yrs) when not used regularly....mine's going strong at 4yrs now so these precautions sure have worked for me.

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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 11:51 PM
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http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1498576
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Old Sep 19, 2006 | 04:44 AM
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Originally Posted by BerniesVette
Gordon,
I have one just like it. I installed mine in front of the compartment behind the passenger seat. I cut a hole in the container in the compartment for the key to fit thru. This way I can get to it with my right hand from the driver's seat.
Bernie
I did the same thing only I used Summits SUM-G1432 model
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