Battery shut-off location

Ron Pilger

Ron Pilger

Senior Member
On my 34 and 36 Fords, using the original battery box and not resorting to Optima batteries, adding shut-offs to the top of the battery post makes the height factor of the battery an even bigger issue. One can no longer use the wooden cover and I have torn an expensive NORS tan floor mat in my 34 3W, by frequently reaching under the mat to shut to twist off the master electrical shut-off dial. Any ideas for better placement of the shut-off or other creative solution? I'm considering abandoning the master shut-off's, which frankly, I didn't use on any of my cars for a couple of decades.
 
You could run a battery cable to a convenient mounting point on sheet metal for the switch below.

iu
 
Most of the time I locate them under the front of the drivers seat. Takes a little creativity with the cables.
 
I'm a big believer in master switches but there is no convenient mounting place. So, that being the case, mount the switch (such as Glenn shows in post 2) in the firewall. Then mount a bracket under your dash with a switch handle and a rotary flexible cable to the switch. You can source these cables at McMaster Carr and you won't have to stand on your head to access the switch.
 
I. mounted mine under the drivers seat in the 33,I made a 1/4 dia rod and screwed it into the switch toggle to extend it to come out under the seat frame just between my legs so its easy to operate just by reaching down, let me know if you want a pic.
Lawrie
 
Lawrie said:
I. mounted mine under the drivers seat in the 33,I made a 1/4 dia rod and screwed it into the switch toggle to extend it to come out under the seat frame just between my legs so its easy to operate just by reaching down, let me know if you want a pic.
Lawrie
Click to expand...

Lawrie, please post some pics of how you added that switch toggle extension. That sounds like something I need to do for better access to my cut-off switch. The previous owner of my '35 fordor installed that switch under the drivers seat, but it's very difficult for me to reach when sitting in that seat. Thanks!
 
My '47 is different. The battery is at passenger side of engine compartment in a more advantageous location. Regardless, if the car is not being kept "judge-worthy" one could run longer cables between a battery and master switch, adjusting gauge of the wire for distance if and as needed and providing some sort of protective sheath covering to avoid long-term abrasion between the cabling and car. My switch is thru the fire wall behind and slightly below the glove compartment, with its terminals on engine side and the switch handle inside the car. This provides easy driver access and added security if the car is locked. Select a switch that has the highest amperage capacity available. Unused for periods of time, various critters may chew-off any wiring insulation and cause a short, so I turn off the car system whenever the car is garaged.
 
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