You may have read about an unfortunate incident I had recently. There is a bright side that I thought I'd share with you.

I use the battery disconnect thingy religiously. I think that our wiring isn't getting any younger, can be dangerous in the event of a short on a hot circuit, and I disconnect the battery anytime the car sits for more than 5 or 10 minutes, even if I'm nearby.

Fortunately for me, I think, this battery disconnect switch may very well have prevented a problem. It broke on impact. The engine was still running, and I assume that's because the alternator was providing current. I shut it off, but continued to smell gas fumes at the scene. At the time I didn't think about the battery disconnect, and didn't remember it until sitting in ER hours later. The wife took my son home and I gave her strict instructions on what to do, but apparently it was already done for me.

Here's a pic for your viewing pleasure.



If you don't have one of those battery disconnect switches, please consider getting one.

The preliminary estimates are in. I don't want to go in to too much detail, as I have yet to hear from the other insurance company (a week and a half later - at least there is an insurance company). But the damage is mostly in front of the firewall. Any damage to the firewall and behind is superficial at best. The windshield is undamaged, with the exception of a teeny tiny nickel-sized sliver at the base under the hood. The doors still open and close (the passenger-side door turned out to be locked). The convertible decklid opens and closes. The frame is damaged.

If you're interested, I'll keep you posted. GM

 

Good advice! I use to have that one, but now have the blade type.

 

I do too. I have the blade type.

Please do.

 

Yeah, please keep us posted, and thanks for the tip on the disconnect. I need to get one.

 

I have one of those exact "cut-offs" in every one of my C3s. Just as you said, people don't realize with the "aging" of our wiring harnesses in our cars. Many people have lost Corvettes due to fires caused by a short in the electrical system. Any item that can be used electrically in our Corvettes even when it's not running and turned off(cigarette lighter, headlights, clock, ignition switch wiring, alarm horn & theft system, dome light & courtesy lights) are all possible potential "shorts" waiting to happen. Sure, chances are remote that it would happen, but just remember "IT ALWAYS COULD".

Sorry about the accident, at least though it is "fixable" and not really that "bad". Keep us informed

 

Got a "blade setup" on mine..best 22bones I have spent..does keep the battery life a lot longer..Joe!