Battery Cutoff Switch

Tim Donahoe · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 9:45 pm Post subject: Battery Cutoff Switch

Has anyone installed one of those superbeetlesolutions battery cutoff switches? The kind that you turn on and off from a keyed section of the kick panel--and without having to remove your rear seat.

They were advertised in The Classifieds for awhile. If you installed one, how well made is the unit?

Tim

curtp07 · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 1:36 pm Post subject:

I haven't tried it yet, so can't help there. But I'm thinking of the same thing for protection if something goes wrong electrically....shut everything off. You could source out the parts at a local alternator shop, but their kit looks well put together...

My last engine fire was caused by a short and it almost blew the battery....would have been nice to shut it down.

WD-40 · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 2:00 pm Post subject:

I can't find it on their website now, but Mid America Motorworks use to sell a battery cutoff switch kit as well. They came in two styles, one with the big red plastic removable key (anti-theft) and one with a low-profile grey knob that was non-removable.

No idea on the quality, or if it is/was the same as the Super Beetle Solutions kit?
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Tim Donahoe · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 2:45 pm Post subject:

Actually, I went ahead and bought the kit from MidAmerica--since I, too, couldn't find their ad again in The Classifieds. I could have bought everything separately, I suppose; but I wanted a keyed set-up, as well as all the parts (including a pre-bent bracket that you pop-rivet to the underside of the seat rail).

The kit, itself, is very complete--the cables--nice, fat copper--mounting bracket, and switch, very beefy. It comes with rubber boots for the posts, too, rivets, everything you need.

I had some confusion concerning the instructions, since the switch can be turned up or down--and I wanted it to be "up", of course; so I wrote the manufacturer on Thanksgiving, and he wrote back today, with a full explanation. Also, on their site (which I found after ordering from MidAmerica, and paying a lot more compared to the manufacturer's price), they have on their menu a block that says "News". You click "News" and it brings you to Hot VWs magazine's article on this device. The instructions were much more thorough.

After we finish decorating the house for Christmas, I'll install this kit and let you guys know how it went.

It will add to my anti-theft devices, to be sure. But it will also let me just stick a key into the switch, turn it, and cut my power when working on electrical stuff. This way, I don't have to remove the rear seat, wrench the cable off, and re-install my stupid-ass back seat that is a real bitch to get back in Rolling Eyes

Tim

Chochobeef · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 3:14 pm Post subject:

I look forward to this as I am on the fence about it. I know I want to do it, but how is it going to look.

I personally say thank you for your description and possible photos of the endeavor.

VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 3:34 pm Post subject:

For those who like aesthetics..

Look into Painless Wiring's remote disconnect switch.

http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcat/30204

.
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jhicken · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 3:52 pm Post subject:

I kinda like the Painless option, you can put the toggle under your dash. It's a little more discreet than the switch on the kick panel. Only downside is that the solenoid has a small draw on it so if your car is off and it's not disconnected, it'll drain you battery.

-j.
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Joel · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 6:08 pm Post subject:

Tim Donahoe · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 6:12 pm Post subject:

I'll take some pictures as I'm doing the job and post them here with comments and any issues I run into.

It's pretty straightforward, unless I run into an issue like a too-short switch-to-starter-cable issue. Something weird like that, I guess. But that cable is a good three feet long, so I doubt that will be an issue.

We'll see how it goes.

I may even paint the faceplate the same color as my kickpanel. With the key removed, it'll be that much harder to notice.

Tim

birddog1 · Samba Member Joined: March 11, 2006 Posts: 952

VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 6:57 am Post subject:

Zacharysayre · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2014 6:52 am Post subject:

I will be running this one, once I get to the interior portion of the build.

http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/disconnects-for-batteries/keylock-battery-disconnect

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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Tim Donahoe · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2014 5:50 pm Post subject:

Well, I installed the cut-off switch, and it works like a charm.

I didn't do a pictorial on it because ... well, because I'm just lazy from time to time--and today was one of those times.

The unit works well, and everything lines up. With the directions in Hot VWs magazine, I had no installment problems.

I also found out that I do need a new soldering iron, though.

Tim


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