MikesRed68

I was told to always disconnect the battery cable ( neg ) form the battery in my 68 vert. even just leaving it parked. I could understand if u are doing any kind real of work on it, but even leaving it parked in your garage? I could understand if your car is not driven or in storage but....all the time ?Is this true?

flyeri

I don't but have spent much time with the wiring and am confident that it is in good condition. I have no electrical drains except the clock and the radio keep alive and I drive the car often enough that the battery is always at a high charge level. If you have any concern about the integrity of your electrical system you need to disconnect or install a cutoff until you can sort out the system.

'75

It's personal preference really, it will virtually eliminate the chance of an electrical fire or a dead battery. No benefit other than that, an inexpensive disconnect on the negative battery terminal is easy to use and may be a slight theft deterrent also.

MikesRed68

U know i never thought of that ...( a slight theft deterrent )

Alan 71

Hi MR68,
I sleep a little better having a battery disconnect. I still have original wiring harnesses except for the engine harness.
In fact I've gotten to the point that after working on the car I bring the disconnect **** into the house with me because I got tired of having to go back to the garage at 10:00 pm to check if indeed I disconnected the battery.
It's surprising how often someone posts that they shorted something out because they were working on the car and had forgotten to disconnect the battery first.
It literally takes about 5 seconds to disconnect it and ten seconds to connect it.
Regards,
Alan

This is the type with a '****', there's also one with a 'knife' (lever) that some people like.

MikesRed68

Alan.Yes ive been also doing that with my 68 i just got . I never did it with the 69 because i didnt know about fires it could start. I love that disconnect in your picture . Who has them ?

Alan 71

Hi MR68,
Many of the larger vendors sell the 2 types of battery dis-connects
ZIP Products…E-527…. for the '****' type, side terminal.
Regards,
Alan

blue by you

any auto parts store carries them

69Vett

those cheap post disconnects fall apart/ break very easy.
I installed a real disconnect switch, under the rear center cargo door,
next to the battery, it even has a removable key,
and I can also lock the center door, preventing access to the switch.

7T1vette

Any type of disconnect that actually DOES disconnect the battery and has the same or better current-carrying capability that the battery wire has is 'good enough' for your car. If you want to spend $50 on a fancy disconnect, go for it. If you don't....don't.

But, if you are a DIY type of owner, you NEED a disconnect to conveniently turn off the electrical circuit ANY TIME you work on the car. Doing otherwise is foolish and asking for a catastrophe.

MikesRed68

Thanks for all your feedback

theandies

I used the **** out of my battery disconnect this weekend changing the turn signal and headlight switches. Makes in-job testing much easier. Yes connect it to the negative battery terminal. I have the **** type like Alans. Never had a problem with it.