Battery Disconnect

[Chris Anderson]

I see numerous battery disconnect options and was wondering if the group had recommendations for a switch?  It can be located under the hood or as a remote switch - for 1964 Cadillac DeVille.  Thanks.

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

I have put in battery disconnects that you use a key fob with.  They work as intended.  Just be sure to get one that does not draw on the battery to keep the system disconnected.

[Jason Edge]

One of the cool things about using the original spring ring battery cable terminals is you really do not need a quick disconnect.. at least for under the hood. People shy away from them I think because most of the ones you see are chewed up and don't hold that tight. Install a new one like seen on my car and they give a firm grip to the post, but can be grabbed, turned and pulled up and off the battery in about 1 second. 

I have preached this for a decade but put it in use this past year when I was installing all new air box fasteners and didn't recognize I had caught the main heavy battery to starter feed wire under the lip of the metal box and screwed right into the power wire. I saw smoke starting to billow from the wire and from the alternator to battery charging wire and immediately went to the battery positive cable and did the quick twist and pull I I do when I am leaving the car for a while and disconnect the batteries. 

There is nothing wrong with the quick disconnects, but when I am at a car show and see the guys and gals going on and on about their big $$ disconnects attached inline to the aftermarket side-bolt terminal cables, I just sort of grin and think to myself -> mine looks original and I can still disconnect power as fast as you can. I will do a video one day showing how how fast that spring ring terminal comes off.... just haven't gotten around to it.

[Chris Anderson]

Ha - That's what I have been doing for past two months.  You are correct, it's very easy.  I wanted to see if there was a good alternative as I thought the battery connection would become loose over time with this approach.  Also -I like that bracket holding the battery.  Can you tell me where to purchase or brand?  Thanks!

[Jason Edge]

Chris, McVeys (www.mcveys.com) sells the original type reproduction type hardware. I've been using the "hand-on-spring-ring" removal method for about 20 years... about 10 years + with current cables. These cables get chewed up when people abuse them with pliers, etc.

[Jason Edge]

They show back order right now. They do show the nice repro battery tray ... any one that needs one should pick that item up before it is gone. Hopefully they can re-up their supply... but who knows in today's market.

[Chris Anderson]

Thanks