Battery shutoff swithches

[Jim L.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

now, is my negative lead correct?

"Correct" doesn't apply. However, installing the switch at the negative post makes good technical sense. If installed in this way, you can lay a wrench across the positive post with no unpleasant effects (not that I recommend this stunt, though).

Jim

[Richard M.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

Ok not to beat a dead "whatever"....here is a quick diagram I just made. I'm sure there is a better one around, but it basically shows how much copper is susceptible to danger.

Rich
edit... Diagram is for a C1 12v 56-62. (clock & lighter may be different on 56-57?).

[David A.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

nice diagram
little easier than the wiring diagram
iowa

[Stephen R.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

I put a 30 amp fuse on the main red wire at the gauge. I also put a 5 amp fuse in the clock circuit, since it's an original clock and they are notorious for having points that stick. I also have a knife blade battery cut off on the negative. 59 vette.

[David A.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

my mistake
the lead is for the + terminal
and has the '12 volt' on it.
is this original for the 56's
thanks
iowa

[Christopher R.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

Dave, I don't understand your question. Could you re-state it?

Are you trying to determine what mods for safety to make to your stock C1 electrical system?

1. Green knob on the "-" battery terminal to completely shutoff the system.

When the system is energized, the clock, cigarette lighter and ignition system are unprotected. For that:

2. 1 amp fuse for the clock.

3. 20 - 30 amp fuse for the cigarette lighter.

4. Fusible link inserted at the solenoid from the terminal where the igntion system gets its power. Look up "fusible link" in the archives. There's lots on this.

5. To make the system work better, make sure all your grounds are working and add a ground at the fuel gauge sender.

[Alexander C.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

I drive my '56 3 or 4 times every week so even though I have a shut-off switch, I just leave it alone to so I don't have to open my hood after ever drive. If I know it will be more than a week, then I will use it.

[David A.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

i'm talking about the postitive cable end
that attaches to the battery!
iowa

[Anthony P.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

What should the current rating be for the fusible link/circuit breaker that is placed at the starter solenoid (30A, 40? greater) ?

Thanks,

Tony

Ok not to beat a dead "whatever"....here is a quick diagram I just made. I'm sure there is a better one around, but it basically shows how much copper is susceptible to danger.

Rich
edit... Diagram is for a C1 12v 56-62. (clock & lighter may be different on 56-57?).

[Richard M.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

Tony, On C2's with fusible links, they used a 14g link to protect the 10g hot wire feeding the car. Other places within the electrical system used 16g links to protect anything 12g or larger(smaller wires). Some areas used 20g links to protect 16g wiring. Rule of thumb was the fusible link was 4 wire gauge sizes smaller than the circuit protected.

I use a 40A breaker on my '59 at the 10g solenoid wire feeding the car. I previously used a 16g link there but when I replaced the engine harness with a nos piece I didn't want to cut the terminal off.

The one I use is a trolling motor self resetting breaker with a brass tab for solid mounting. I insulated the tab for safety. Many fishing supply shops that sell motors have them.

Rich

[Reba W.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

Some of us (Terry included) remember the wiring short causing a fire on the judging field one night at a National Convention.

[Terry M.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

Some of us (Terry included) remember the wiring short causing a fire on the judging field one night at a National Convention.

Yep - at Warren Mich. When you re-install your heater box on a C3 be sure not to pinch the wire. Pinching the 12 volt wire can lead to voltage on the passenger side hood latch. That is OK so long as you don't latch the hood, but the driver's side hood latch is grounded to the birdcage. When the hood is latched the cable between the two latches becomes a conductor, but it was not designed for that.

[Bill B.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

On a C1, using a well charged battery, good clean connections and a relatively good condition starter motor & starter solenoid, what is the actual amperage draw from battery to solenoid during starting?

Bill


1961 Black/Silver/Red Int. 283/315 FI
power windows. Frame off 65% completed.
1989 White/hard top/Grey Int. daily driver 167,000 miles

"The problem with Liberalism is that eventually you run out of other people's money" - Margaret Thatcher

[John F.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

WOW! What a discussion. Great to hear all sides and opinions. Could someone with a 62 base motor post a photo with the knife-blade installed. Just want to see a good installation not touching anything and easy access.

[Richard M.]

Re: Battery shutoff swithches

On a C1, using a well charged battery, good clean connections and a relatively good condition starter motor & starter solenoid, what is the actual amperage draw from battery to solenoid during starting?

Bill


1961 Black/Silver/Red Int. 283/315 FI
power windows. Frame off 65% completed.
1989 White/hard top/Grey Int. daily driver 167,000 miles

"The problem with Liberalism is that eventually you run out of other people's money" - Margaret Thatcher

That's a interesting question, but I cannot imagine what it would be without actually putting a Ammeter in series with the battery cable to get the actual current. And temperature would be a factor too.

Maybe the Pirkle's know.

Rich