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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
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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
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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
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OP
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Ruscar:
That looks exactly like the one Advance has. The package didn't indicate how many amps it would handle.
Regards:
Oldengineer
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Anything to prevent a possible fire makes good sense to me. Simple, yet effective! 
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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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
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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.
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Backyard Mechanic
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Just made a run to Advance Auto, and, bought the disconnect. Will install it tomorrow. Appreciate the advice from you guys.
Regards:
Oldengineer
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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.
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Backyard Mechanic
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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.
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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.
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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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
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The Mangy Old Mutt
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I have that on my 51 but it's not very handy on the 32 with the battery under the floorboard.
Steve D
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.......... 
Russell #38868
'48 4 door Fleetline
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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.......... 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.
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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
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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.
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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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
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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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".
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This has been discussed here before with the answer being on either.
Gene Schneider
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The Mangy Old Mutt
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