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battery cut off switch

To: MG list <mgs@autox.team.net>
Subject: battery cut off switch
From: Jim Stuart <jimbb88@erols.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 20:59:21 -0500
Tom-

Moss shows a competition style battery cut off switch, large blade
handle, 2 serious connecting lugs, a fat body. I purchased one similar
at Carlisle several years ago for $12.00. The hot rod mags, speed shops,
Summit racing mail order, sell these for under $35.00.

When I installed mine, I drilled a hole in the inner fender, passender
side, where there is a slightly depressed area, not the big concave
part. It takes 1 hole to mount the switch, about 3/4", if memory is any
good. The handle end is outside the car, in the  wheel well, & can be
assessed by reaching over the tire, or turning the wheel. Suprisingly,
this is a "clean" area, no dirt, not much, if any, water. The connecting
lugs are in the engine compartment. If the planning is correct, the end
of the battery cable that goes to the starter, will reach the switch. A
new cable with holes in each end, from the local auto parts, runs from
the switch to the starter. Position the switch high enough that it
clears the tire at full lock.

While this may be an unusual location, it has several advantages. It is
out of sight, easily accessible- you would be suprised how often I cut
the battery when working on the car, since it only takes a second, & is
so much safer.

The hidden, but very noteworthy advantage to this location involves jump
starting. Now you have an easily accessible remote battery terminal to
jumpn another car, or have yours jump started without all that digging
around, looking for a screwdriver to get the battery cover off, & the
other car's headlights will provide light to see by. It is an easy place
to hook up a trickle charger for those who don't drive there cars
regularly.

It is an intrusion in the engine compartment, however, & not concourse.
I covered the always hot terminal with RTV, to provide total insulation.
I did hook a small fused line to that terminal for the clock & radio
memory wires. A short piece of rubber hose is the removable insulator
for the other terminal. I have both cars set up that way, & highly
recommend it as the most practical of locations.

Jim Stuart

1974 4.2L MGBGT
1975 3.5L MGB


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