Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#332600 01/26/15 12:29 AM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
I was in my local Advance Auto parts store last night, and, noticed that they had a decent looking battery disconnect in stock. It mounts on the battery post, uses a single blade knife switch, and has a post on the other end of it for the battery cable. Have any of you used one of these on a 6V car? I'm wondering if it'll handle the load without frying itself. Hate to see $25 go up in smoke the first time I hit the stomp starter button.

Regards:
Oldengineer

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,034
Likes: 107
Hall Monitor
ChatMaster - 7,000
Offline
Hall Monitor
ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,034
Likes: 107
How many amps is it rated to handle?


VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 11
ChatMaster - 1,500
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 11
I have been using it for 2 years and it works for me. Rated @ 750 amps. I will post a pic when I get home tonight. Or if you can search for pic's I have posted of my car you will see it. The only thing that I am not sure about is the plastic piece that holds it together. But so far so good.
switch

I think this is it, pic's are blocked here at work.


Russell #38868
'48 4 door Fleetline
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Ruscar:

That looks exactly like the one Advance has. The package didn't indicate how many amps it would handle.


Regards:
Oldengineer

Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Anything to prevent a possible fire makes good sense to me. Simple, yet effective! dance



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
I agree. My 48 could probably use a new wiring harness, but, I'd have to have a bunch of help to put it in. Consequently, over the 3 years I've owned this car, I've been patching/replacing questionable wiring as I find it. I also unhook the battery when the car sits idle over the Winter. I had a wiring fire in my first car, a 1937 Dodge Coupe, back in the 60s. Turned the headlights on one night, and, the wiring under the dash went up in smoke. These I was, on the side of the road in the dark, trying to get the front seat cushion out, because the battery was in the floor underneath it, and, unhook it.

Regards:
Oldengineer

Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Oldengineer
I agree. My 48 could probably use a new wiring harness, but, I'd have to have a bunch of help to put it in. Consequently, over the 3 years I've owned this car, I've been patching/replacing questionable wiring as I find it. I also unhook the battery when the car sits idle over the Winter. I had a wiring fire in my first car, a 1937 Dodge Coupe, back in the 60s. Turned the headlights on one night, and, the wiring under the dash went up in smoke. These I was, on the side of the road in the dark, trying to get the front seat cushion out, because the battery was in the floor underneath it, and, unhook it.

Regards:
Oldengineer

I have seen TWO classic car fires, after the fact. Cars I knew, folks I knew. Very sad to see the after affects of a classic car fire, knowing the time and effort that was put into the project. A disconnect is a fine idea.



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Just made a run to Advance Auto, and, bought the disconnect. Will install it tomorrow. Appreciate the advice from you guys.

Regards:
Oldengineer

Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Oldengineer
Just made a run to Advance Auto, and, bought the disconnect. Will install it tomorrow. Appreciate the advice from you guys.

Regards:
Oldengineer

What did you buy ? Part number, cost, pic maybe ?



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Bob:

I bought a Autocraft Safety Switch - Battery Disconnect - Top Mount. Part number is #20138. Sku is 897220 20746. I've already got it installed on the car. I'll start her up in the morning and make sure this thing is not getting hot after it handles the starter load. It cost me $25.

Regards:
Oldengineer

Last edited by Oldengineer; 01/28/15 01:55 AM.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Oldengineer
Bob:

I bought a Autocraft Safety Switch - Battery Disconnect - Top Mount. Part number is #20138. Sku is 897220 20746. I've already got it installed on the car. I'll start her up in the morning and make sure this thing is not getting hot after it handles the starter load. It cost me $25.

Regards:
Oldengineer

Thanks for your information. Hope it performs well. dance



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,125
ChatMaster - 1,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,125
The disconnect I've been using on 3 of my cars has a green knob on it. To connect or disconnect you turn the knob. Been using them for years. Work great.
Sid

Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,848
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,848
I have the same disconnect with the green knob and it has been working great for years.

laugh wink beer2


The Mangy Old Mutt

"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472
Likes: 26
ChatMaster - 7,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472
Likes: 26
I have that on my 51 but it's not very handy on the 32 with the battery under the floorboard.


Steve D
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Bob:

It was good and cold in the garage this morning. The 48 cranked right up, and, the new disconnect didn't heat any. The starter turned over at its normal speed. So far so good.

Regards:
Oldengineer

Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Oldengineer
Bob:

It was good and cold in the garage this morning. The 48 cranked right up, and, the new disconnect didn't heat any. The starter turned over at its normal speed. So far so good.

Regards:
Oldengineer

Sounds good, O.E.

You're certain to have peace of mind now, won't wonder if the cracklin' fire you hear is the car.



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
O.E.,

I used the part number you provided, then went to the Advanced Auto site. Looked at the unit.

Much conversation has always been made, concerning the wire gauge of the 6 volt battery cables. "Bigger is better", so I have 1/0 battery cables, which certainly helps with engine cranking.

But the "knife blade" on this disconnect switch looks "thin" in thickness or gauge, within the pic, so I'm wondering if that blade defeats the entire idea of the heavy cables.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Thoughts?



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 11
ChatMaster - 1,500
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 11
Quote
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

According to Advanced Auto web site, the switch is rated to 750 amps.

According to a Google search on 1/0 wire, it is rated up to 260 amps.

I could be totally wrong, but.......... Agrin


Russell #38868
'48 4 door Fleetline
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by ruscar
Quote
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

According to Advanced Auto web site, the switch is rated to 750 amps.

According to a Google search on 1/0 wire, it is rated up to 260 amps.

I could be totally wrong, but.......... Agrin

You have done research, your figures look correct, but hope you see my initial thought.



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Bob:

I wondered about that too as I eyeballed this thing. As soon as my engine started, I went over and put my hand on the switch arm - it was nice and cool. I plan on checking it periodically as well. If it can't handle the load, it'll get hot.

Regards:
Oldengineer

Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Oldengineer
Bob:

I wondered about that too as I eyeballed this thing. As soon as my engine started, I went over and put my hand on the switch arm - it was nice and cool. I plan on checking it periodically as well. If it can't handle the load, it'll get hot.

Regards:
Oldengineer

O.E.,

Based on the amp figures that Ruscar provided above, I'm betting you'll be just fine. dance



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
A bit of useless information for you all.
Electricity flows on the exterior surface only of each conductor. That is why multi strand cable is thinner than 1 single wire to carry the same amperage.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 193
Shade Tree Mechanic
Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 193
Should the battery disconnect go on the positive or negative side of the battery? I assumed positive would be the pick of the litter but I read today somewhere that it should go on the negative side. Any thoughts?

Bob


"When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground".
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,700
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,700
Likes: 141
This has been discussed here before with the answer being on either.


Gene Schneider
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,848
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,848
The battery disconnect can go on either but the negative side is preferred.

laugh wink beer2



The Mangy Old Mutt

"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
2 members (GMMasterTech, Chipper), 81 guests, and 20 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
NeilA, Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman
18,308 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
SabrinaKarras, Speedy1
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,072
Posts429,076
Members18,308
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5