baylinerjohn
Junior Member
Is it necessary to install a battery cut off switch on my model a
Cut off switch
- Thread starter baylinerjohn
- Start date
Patrick L.
Well-known member
Nope. It didn't come with one.
However, many like to install one.
However, many like to install one.
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
Necessary, no
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
I don't use a switch nor a fuse.
Big hammer
Well-known member
I use the original battery disconnect, removing the cable from the battery
BillLee/Chandler TX
Senior Member
"Necessary"? No. "Smart"? yes!
Not original on the A.
See http://cedarcreekas.org/TechTopics/CutOffSwitch.pdf for one example.
Not original on the A.
See http://cedarcreekas.org/TechTopics/CutOffSwitch.pdf for one example.
H. L. Chauvin
Well-known member
Just one (1) opinion from past experiences.
"If" you decide to get one:
1. Suggest buying the best available, like a Marine cut off switch manufactured with more corrosion resistant contacts that are exposed to higher humidity, mainly because of hearing stories of many cheap cut-off switches failing on long tours.
2. Mine has a removable switch key, which when removed, and car is temporarily parked like overnight at a Motel, this could or could not present just a little more of a challenge to a non- Model A knowledgeable drugged up modern car thief who so often tries to steal cars when he needs a drug fix.
3. Had it thus far for (10) years with no problems and only used it for temporary unaccompanied parking added security; and for totally re-wiring and adding electrical devices such as rear window stop light, turn signals, etc.
4. Maybe could have done without it for (10) years; but .......... definitely have absolutely no intentions to remove it now that I am (10)) years older.
"If" you decide to get one:
1. Suggest buying the best available, like a Marine cut off switch manufactured with more corrosion resistant contacts that are exposed to higher humidity, mainly because of hearing stories of many cheap cut-off switches failing on long tours.
2. Mine has a removable switch key, which when removed, and car is temporarily parked like overnight at a Motel, this could or could not present just a little more of a challenge to a non- Model A knowledgeable drugged up modern car thief who so often tries to steal cars when he needs a drug fix.
3. Had it thus far for (10) years with no problems and only used it for temporary unaccompanied parking added security; and for totally re-wiring and adding electrical devices such as rear window stop light, turn signals, etc.
4. Maybe could have done without it for (10) years; but .......... definitely have absolutely no intentions to remove it now that I am (10)) years older.
Last edited:
Brentwood Bob
Well-known member
When the starter switch shorts out the cutoff switch makes the event no big deal. Going commando can set the driver up for 30 seconds of panic.
Bob
Bob
H. L. Chauvin
Well-known member
Hi Bob,
FWIW: Always two (2) sides to every opinion on any Forum ...... pick & choose is the way to proceed.
1. Had a newly installed malfunctioning Model A starter switch that refused to disconnect, thus the starter continued to turn with the engine running. Disconnected my new keyed cut-off switch and all was well.
2. Not a big deal, but as far as my luck, with a wedding party looking at us, my son was getting in my Model A to be driven to his wedding reception with his new wife.
3. Another experience, but not Model A:
A. I have a cut-off switch on my vintage Farmall tractor.
B. Had it parked immediately adjacent to my house idling when the engine vibrations caused the steel starter switch rod for the pull switch to become unattached and fall on the starter/battery live connection covered with old oil & grease.
C. In seconds, flames were 18" tall touching the bottom of the metal tractor gas tank immediately above.
D. In about (5) seconds I was able to turn off the battery ground wire's cut-off battery switch and possibly save a tractor and a house with my wife & dogs inside.
E. Could have been a very sad story.
But, I did not get a fire extinguisher for my Model A "yet" !!!!!
FWIW: Always two (2) sides to every opinion on any Forum ...... pick & choose is the way to proceed.
1. Had a newly installed malfunctioning Model A starter switch that refused to disconnect, thus the starter continued to turn with the engine running. Disconnected my new keyed cut-off switch and all was well.
2. Not a big deal, but as far as my luck, with a wedding party looking at us, my son was getting in my Model A to be driven to his wedding reception with his new wife.
3. Another experience, but not Model A:
A. I have a cut-off switch on my vintage Farmall tractor.
B. Had it parked immediately adjacent to my house idling when the engine vibrations caused the steel starter switch rod for the pull switch to become unattached and fall on the starter/battery live connection covered with old oil & grease.
C. In seconds, flames were 18" tall touching the bottom of the metal tractor gas tank immediately above.
D. In about (5) seconds I was able to turn off the battery ground wire's cut-off battery switch and possibly save a tractor and a house with my wife & dogs inside.
E. Could have been a very sad story.
But, I did not get a fire extinguisher for my Model A "yet" !!!!!
29er
Senior Member
..... an pucker marks on the seat! Been there!
That's why I moved the switch from under the hood to inside, under the seat on the seat riser. Now it's much faster to turn off the switch. I've since replaced my starter switch with a restored original (I have been very disappointed with the repop ones that come from all the dealers)
DO a search... you'll find many previous discussions of this.
Mike
29er
Senior Member
CWPASADENA
Well-known member
For best protection, put the cut-off switch on the Ground (+) side.
However, there is a kit available with mounting bracket and cable that puts the switch on the HOT (Neg.) side. While this is not Ideal, It will offer very good protection.
I also agree with using a high quality switch, not a cheap foreign made one some of the suppliers offer. Any electrical component from China is always suspect.
Just my opinion,
Chris W.
H. L. Chauvin
Well-known member
Disconnect, (Cut-Off) Switches?
Just one (1) way for slow moving & arthritic Model A Seniors to maybe think about added Model A Safety Measures:
A. Most large boats today are equipped with Disconnect Safety Switches for a most definite reason.
B. If out on open water, and DC sparks are flying in one's boat near the fuel lines, without a Marine Disconnect Switch, sometimes one may have only (2) choices ........ either burn with the boat ......... or jump overboard and feed the hungry sharks.
C. If out on a highway, and DC sparks are flying near fuel in one's Model A without a Disconnect Switch, sometimes one may have (2) choices ........ either stay in the Model A and burn in the Model A ...... or jump out of the Model A and watch your Model A burn.
D. Let's face it. Some seniors never need "Depends"; and some do; and we are always free to choose.
Just one (1) way for slow moving & arthritic Model A Seniors to maybe think about added Model A Safety Measures:
A. Most large boats today are equipped with Disconnect Safety Switches for a most definite reason.
B. If out on open water, and DC sparks are flying in one's boat near the fuel lines, without a Marine Disconnect Switch, sometimes one may have only (2) choices ........ either burn with the boat ......... or jump overboard and feed the hungry sharks.
C. If out on a highway, and DC sparks are flying near fuel in one's Model A without a Disconnect Switch, sometimes one may have (2) choices ........ either stay in the Model A and burn in the Model A ...... or jump out of the Model A and watch your Model A burn.
D. Let's face it. Some seniors never need "Depends"; and some do; and we are always free to choose.
pgerhardt
Well-known member
Yes it did. The cutout on top of your generator. But that one it 80+ years old and can fail (see below).
You already have one: the cutout on top of your generator.
However the cutout can fail and destroy your generator, kill your battery, and/or start a fire!
Think of the cut off switch as using both a belt and suspenders. With one you never have to worry about a bad cutout.