Battery disconnect switch

[b6vt]

I am looking for battery disconnect switch. I have 48 LC and the clearance between the horn on the right side above

the battery is critical. The devices that I have found are too tall to fit. Does any one have a suggestion? (b6vt) Glenn Lorei

[imported_Phil Knapp]

Hi Glenn,

This is the battery disconnect switch that's on my 1941 Continental. I know the '48 hood is lower, but this one might work. I got this one at Pep Boys.

The disconnect switch should really be on the ground side of the battery which ought to give you more room. I have relocated the switch since I took this picture. It required a little squeezing of the connector since the positive terminal is a bit smaller than the negative one, but it works.

[b6vt]

I received my cut off-switch to day. Had to pay alittle more than I wanted, the shipping was as much as the item. It was exactly what I was wanting. None of the auto parts stores around KC stocked this thing.--strange. Thanks for the tip Phil. Also, if Rolf reads this, pls e-mail me re the hupcaps. glenn lorei b6vt

[imported_Phil Knapp]

Hi Glenn,

I'd be interested in seeing a picture of your new battery disconnect switch. It must be different from the one I got at Pep Boys. As I recall, the Pep Boys switch was in the $25 range, off the shelf.

[b6vt]

Phil, The disconnect switch I have is exactly like the

item you pictured to me. I went to google and entered battery disconnect and came up with a firm called Eastwood

tools and supplies. When they sent the part they also sent a catalog. They have a door hinge pin remover in this catalog and by the time I get it, with shipping it will be $40.

What is your experience in this department. So far all I have done is lose my patience and ding the paint on the door.!!! Glenn Lorei (b6vt)

[imported_Phil Knapp]

I've bought some stuff from Eastwood. They have tools and supplies that are hard to find anywhere else, but Eastwood is pricey! For example, Eastwood sells KROIL penetrating oil for about $50 per gallon. You can buy KROIL directly from the manufacturer, KANO Labs in Nashville, TN (www.kanolabs.com) for about $35. My battery disconnect was on the shelf at Pep Boys for about $20.

As far as hinge pin removal is concerned, I haven't had any first-hand experience in that area. However, a friend of mine got Eastwood's hinge pin removal tool and said that it worked well. I wish it was that easy to remove the hinge pins (bolts) from a '40-48 Zephyr!

[b6vt]

Phil, I tried to install the switch on the positive pole of the battery and I broke it. The metal, even though it is brass colored,it is not brass, it is pot metal-very brittle.

I'm sending it back as there is no way it will fit the six volt battery I have. Glenn Lorei b6vt

[okdave]

i drilled out the hole for the disconnect switch on my drill press and it works fine. i also broke one trying to force it to fit. david

[38ShortopConv.]

I use one of those disconnect switches on my 38 LZ sedan but believe the contact area is too small for any serious 6 volt cranking and it gets hot quickly. I have a better quality larger contact area switch on my 38 convertible, which never gets hot, and has a "quarter turn" on ~ off switch lever.

[imported_Phil Knapp]

Very interesting. I relocated my disconnect switch from the negative terminal to the positive terminal with no problem. I did have to squeeze the connector a bit because the positive terminal on my bettery is slightly smaller than the negative one.

While doing the change, I noticed that the battery connections needed attention. A little baking soda and a wire brush seems to have fixed the slow cranking problem I was having. The switch seems to be able to pass enough current to crank the V-12 vigorously now.