Battery Disconnect Switch

[tmodel66]

Is anybody using a Master Disconnect Switch anymore? I've got the side post battery and the only ones I can find are bulky, ugly and fasten in plain sight onto the battery. Do they make a switch you can put out of sight but leave the battery cables on the battery? Do I even need a Master Disconnect?

[bertfam]

I use disconnect switches on all my old cars just because of their age. I've had a car fire before and it's not pretty. Old wiring isn't trustworthy!

HERE'S the one I use. The big plus is that it allows you to use the radio, works off a remote, keeps you from having a dead battery (automatically disconnects if it detects a drain) and doubles as a theft deterent. The bad is it's expensive (but you can get it cheaper on ebay or some of the other online sites. Just do a search...), and it's NOT hidden.

you can read more about the Battery Brain line HERE.

Ed

[lakeholme]

Yes, I see disconnects at shows all the time. If you don't want to use one as expensive or large as Ed suggests, most auto supplies have smaller and simpler ones. Frankly, I'm going to look into the one Ed suggests.
But if you have good wiring and no drains, then you may not particularly need one. It's up to you.
BTW, everyone should carry a fire extinguisher!

[Sauron327]

Ed's is as cheap as $64 on Amazon. Many things are cheaper through them.

[jacmac]

I dont drive my car too much,I pull the battery out after I drive it.Even with the battery disconnected maybe battery acid fumes are working on my engine compartment.Im sure Im just to anal 

[IZRSSS]

I thought I was bad. You need to have that condition checked by your family physician/head doc.  

[jacmac]

You are bad Marty,but my problem is in my 55yrs, my camaro is the only thing I really like an I bought it when I was 19.Theres not one thing Ive ever owned that compares to my car!That probably says something about me I dont want to know!

[IZRSSS]

It is a special Z10. Not too many people can make the 19yr old comment. IIRC Jerry thinks it's pretty special as well! Be proud!

[jacmac]

Thanks

[tmodel66]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll probably go with something like Ed has. Phillip thanks for the heads up on the fire extinguisher. That is a definite. 

I found a 2 1/2 pounder. What size do y'all carry or recommend?

[lakeholme]

I found a 2 1/2 pounder. What size do y'all carry or recommend?

I'm sure you will get all kinds of feedback about the size and type of fire extinguishers. Interestingly enough, AACA quit saying what type a few years ago.  I think that was one of those deals where everyone thought you ought to have one, but no one could agree which. Now they say "UL Approved".  

An instructor I really repect says the minimum should be a 1-A:5B:C. (I think I've got the listing right.)  But I carry a 1-A:10B:C in every car, new and old, and keep two in my garage.  I know there are people who will tell you only need the B:C type, but there are a lot of "trash" materials in old cars. (Don't forget a lot of classic cars have wood body framing.)  

And back to two other things that instructor said:
"You probably won't be putting out a fire in your car, so you want an extinguisher that can put out the fire in the car next to you." and "The worst time to find out you carry too small or an inoperable extinguisher is about 10 seconds after the fire starts."  

So, it's a 2 1/2 pounder but what do the A:B:C symbols say on it?  

[lakeholme]

BTW, Daniel,

I've seen plenty of classic Chevy guys use a very simple side mount disconnect.  They work just like the top mount ones, but they go up and down.  I know they also make the knife type disconnects for side mount, but they look like something my great grandfather had on his barn.

[tmodel66]

It's a 1-A: 10-B: C    D.O.T Approved.  

[bertfam]

Well, after a little research on Google and yahoo, I found that O'REILLY'S has them on clearance sale for $42.00 each plus shipping! That's a VERY good price (half of what I originally paid), and I even ordered two for spares.

But be quick. They only have 25 left!

Ed

[tmodel66]

Thanks for the help Ed. My local store don't have it in stock but will get it for me. Should be here one day next week.