ConcoursMustang Forums

Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Misc Items => Topic started by: Angela on December 30, 2016, 04:45:42 PM

Title: Battery disconnect / cut-off method
Post by: Angela on December 30, 2016, 04:45:42 PM
Can anyone recommend a good way to disconnect the battery from a classic car when not in use? I'd like to have a way to keep the clock from not operating, yet I don't like connecting and disconnecting the battery frequently. I tried this from NPD, but IMHO it's a piece of junk: https://www.npdlink.com/store/products/master_cut_off_switch_battery_fits_on-142040-100494.html

Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Battery disconnect / cut-off method
Post by: 67gtasanjose on December 30, 2016, 05:10:07 PM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WirthCo-20108-Battery-Doctor-Knife-Switch-for-Top-Post-Batteries-/132048503818?hash=item1ebeb4440a:g:X3AAAOSwt5hYZWsg&vxp=mtr
Title: Re: Battery disconnect / cut-off method
Post by: jwc66k on December 30, 2016, 07:08:01 PM
Try NPD - https://www.npdlink.com/store/?p=catalog&mode=newsearch&search_str=957-3&parent=0&year=0
I've used one of this type on my cars for years. For security, take the "screw" with you.
Jim
Title: Re: Battery disconnect / cut-off method
Post by: Building 3 on December 30, 2016, 07:24:40 PM
I have used the "NPD Type" for many years.  I have bought mine at swap meets for $6.50 or 2 for $12.00.  There is usually a box of them at one or more venders. These are all made in China.  I did have one go bad after a few years. When I compared it to the others I had, it was oxidized while the others where nice and shiny, like new.  It must have been a bad batch of metal that they used.  Other than that, they have been fine.
Title: Re: Battery disconnect / cut-off method
Post by: bgp429 on December 31, 2016, 01:09:05 AM
Most disconnect switches have a voltage drop. Modern batteries are designed for 14.5 -15 V. Our old vehicles [on a good day] produce 13.5-14v. Add a .5-1V drop across a disconnect switch you see the problem.  What i do is leave one cable slightly loose and when not in use remove it. I do this for 3 reasons, not powered up in the garage, no parasitic drain on the battery and no additional resistance. Just have to open the hood.
Title: Re: Battery disconnect / cut-off method
Post by: gjz30075 on January 16, 2017, 09:01:40 PM
I found this one to be much better than the Chinese ones
https://www.amazon.com/Post-Battery-Master-Disconnect-Switch/dp/B001N729FS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484614819&sr=8-1&keywords=battery+cutoff+switch

Title: Re: Battery disconnect / cut-off method
Post by: Bob Gaines on January 16, 2017, 10:36:00 PM
I found this one to be much better than the Chinese ones
https://www.amazon.com/Post-Battery-Master-Disconnect-Switch/dp/B001N729FS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484614819&sr=8-1&keywords=battery+cutoff+switch
I like the fact it seems to indicate it is US made (hope the parts are US ). What about this one besides the US flag seems to you to be any better.
Title: Re: Battery disconnect / cut-off method
Post by: gjz30075 on January 17, 2017, 05:57:46 AM
Bob, I found the metal clamp to be a harder material, so putting some decent clamping force on the post doesn't distort the 'clampers', as bad.   Also, I've had
green knob ones strip its threads at the connect/disconnect end, due to really soft metal, or improperly made threads, and wouldn't make the electrical connection.
Title: Re: Battery disconnect / cut-off method
Post by: Bob Gaines on January 17, 2017, 02:15:22 PM
Bob, I found the metal clamp to be a harder material, so putting some decent clamping force on the post doesn't distort the 'clampers', as bad.   Also, I've had
green knob ones strip its threads at the connect/disconnect end, due to really soft metal, or improperly made threads, and wouldn't make the electrical connection.
Good to know . A shame that seller doesn't rely those details too. Thank you
Title: Re: Battery disconnect / cut-off method
Post by: Ralf on January 17, 2017, 02:37:24 PM
I found this one to be much better than the Chinese ones
https://www.amazon.com/Post-Battery-Master-Disconnect-Switch/dp/B001N729FS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484614819&sr=8-1&keywords=battery+cutoff+switch

Hi, I'm interested as well, but Amazon US will not ship to GER (Sorry, this item can't be shipped to your selected address.)
Could someone buy this for me and ship to GER?
Of course I gonna pay via PAYPAL (to friends, no fees).
Would be nice.
Or is there another source available?
Thx
Ralf