VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Battery cut-out switch idea

Hi Guys,
Wanted to share an idea for mounting a battery cut-out switch. I wanted it to be accessible on my 35, but did not want to permanently mount it. I found that a cutout switch can be mounted to the starter actuator by using a coupling nut (Fastenal). The nut couples one of the switch studs to the actuator stud. The positive cable from the battery is connected to the other switch stud. I hold the switch body when turning on/off to limit the stress on the actuator stud. Works great for me! :)

Wanted to share a photo but could not figure out how to upload!

Sounds like good idea.
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Tony

Hi Tony, thanks for the tip! I just became a VCCA member and will post that picture as soon as my account is updated. :)

Hi Guys, here is the battery cut-out switch idea.. hope the picture is attached! :)

Mounting in that manner serves to hold the switch solid and does not do any unrepairable damage.
Tony

Good idea, thanks for sharing. I am going to give it a try.

Dave

Hi John,

Which battery cut-off switch did you use?

There are quite a few out there but many of them will not handle the amperage draw of a 6 volt starter.

I like your approach.

Thank you!

Hi Rusty, I bought my switch on ebay. The one I bought said it was 190A, 12V switch. It works fine. I have had good luck finding a lot of things on ebay including NOS parts.

Here is a link to a similar switch:
Battery cut-off switch on ebay

Hope it works as well for you! :)

--John

Hi John,

Thanks for the details. I agree that 190 amps should work as long as you don't crank on the starter too long at one time. It's all about resistance and how much heat is generated.

One other advantage with your set-up is that it is easy to get to the post on the battery side of the switch to connect a battery tender. That will maintain the battery even if the switch is in the off position.

Glad you joined VCCA!

:)

sounds pretty cool... i debated on how to do one for my 1929 and ended up mounting it under the passenger side of the front seat. out of the way but accessible and also requires very little cable run. YES i cut the ground out via the switch. the red KEY is removable

had to cut a hole in the rubber mat floor as well... measured 6 times BEFORE i cut that hole !!

I am very happy with it. will also be installing the leads and connector for the Battery Tender Jr as well, this way I can flip the switch, pull the key, open the battery cover and connect the maintainer and let it go.