Hotronics Battery Disconnect

[Steve V.]

I'm looking for a way to protect my 60 from wiring shorts, battery bleed down and possibly theft. Hotronics makes a latching type relay that goes between the battery hot cable and the starter. http://hotronicsproducts.com It doesn't require any power to maintain it's on or off position and completely disconnects power from the car. Does anybody have any experience with this or a different system?

Steve

[Joe R.]

Re: Hotronics Battery Disconnect

Steve,

I tend to think simpler is better. What's wrong with regular old blade type disconnect? They're available at NAPA (and I'm sure elsewhere) for around 40 bucks the last time I checked.

Joe

[Steve L.]

Re: Hotronics Battery Disconnect

It looks like a good idea, but I don't know where you would mount it on a C3 and keep it hidden without cutting the original battery cable. The link doesn't say anything about being weather proof.

[Jim L.]

Re: Hotronics Battery Disconnect

WirthCo 20148 knife switch, MADE IN USA, and available from Amazon for $24.

I have one on my '60.



Jim

[Steve V.]

Re: Hotronics Battery Disconnect

I inquired about the weatherproof quality of the unit and this is the answer I received.


"Hello Steve, Thank you for your interest in Hotronics Products.

The Battery Disconnect is not completely water proof, it's best to install inside the frame rail if your placing under the car,
It is 'Electrical/mechanical' and not intended for Marine use. Water can enter around body & top.

The toggle switch is sealed around wiring, however the batt handle has no O' ring for water seal. Try a small 'party" balloon to place over the toggle switch and place the battery disconnect solenoid inside a "Tupperware" container to the lid and snap the bottom over the disconnect for servicing. That's a suggestion for water-proofing.

This is a super popular part and has been extremely reliable for thousands of rodders and has a 20 year track record in the Streetrod industry.

Let me know if you have any other needs Steve. i'll try and answer all your questions.

Greg"

I like the idea of being able to activate the disconnect without opening the hood in public. The knife switch is more reliable just inconvenient.

Decisions, decisions,

Steve

[Jim D.]

Re: Hotronics Battery Disconnect

Many of my "Hot Rod" builder buddy's use them with no issue. If mounted on the firewall, there would be no problem. It's basically a latching Ford solenoid, which in my opinion, is far superior to the GM design.

[John F.]

Re: Hotronics Battery Disconnect

Simple is better!

[Joe R.]

Re: Hotronics Battery Disconnect

Steve,

I glanced briefly at the web site, I don't think it covered the question I would have, which would be: Can the disconnect fail in such a way that you can't power the vehicle?

Joe

[Robert S.]

Re: Hotronics Battery Disconnect

Steve, just do what I do on my 60. Leave the positive terminal loose and twist it on the battery post to use the car. When not using the car twist the cable off and park it on the battery hold down bolt. Just as easy as a knife switch and 34 to 40 dollars cheaper.