Hello,

Need some advice from those who have tackled this job. I have the battery mounted under the bed(used a modified battery mount from Coleman Racing) and a cutout switch mounted nearby, just aft of the shock mount (which, by the way is a hideous piece of engineering, IMHO).

I am pretty clear on where the + cable should go from the switch forward. I am using cable straps(metal w/ rubber lining) up until where the frame turns into a closed section, from there I am drawing a blank. Did you guys route the cable on the frame? On the inside or outside surface?

I'm using 00 cable with a fairly stiff insualtion. I was thinking that if I could get some PVC pipe or some other thinwall conduit, I could run it through the inside of the frame and then have it pop up through an unused hole on the top of the frame rail(right behind the rear a-arm mount. What do ya think? Too risky?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks,

 

The cutoff MUST be mounted on the rear of the vehicle and clearly marked with the lightning bolt triangle and "off" position.

Run the cables anywhere you want to -- inside the frame, outside the frame -- makes no difference. Follow the stock wiring harnesses. For extra security, use stainless braiding or corrugated tubing wherever the cable might chafe against something sharp.

I mounted the cable with insulated pipe straps -- available at Home Depot. These are the thin metal straps with a rubber sleeve inside -- used to run electrical conduit.

Make sure to solder the ends to the cables or you will be risking corrosion inside the lugs.

 

Thanks Tim for the info!

Looks like I am on the right track but I hope I am OK for the switch. I am using a 1/4" steel pushrod to actuate the cut-off switch(push=off). The rod will come out of the bumper with the proper decal in place. Is this OK? Does anyone have a copy of the SCCA GCR that they can refer to for this?

I did this to save some weight and wiring.

Many thanks, Randy

 

Randy,

I think the "switch" must be at the rear bumper
and not remotely activated. There is also some
requirements that the entire system be disconnected
and I think there is a great post from someone on the
actual wiring of the switch. (Sal maybe?)

Cliff

 

My pleasure, Randy. Have you checked out my battery relocate page?

From the NHRA rulebook:

Master cutoff switch is mandatory when battery is relocated. An electrical power cutoff switch (only one) must be installed in the REARMOST part of each vehicle and be easily accessible from the outside of the car body. The cutoff switch must be connected to the POSITIVE side of the electrical system and must stop all electrical functions. The off position must be clearly indicated with the word OFF. If the switch is push/pull type, push must be the action of shutting off the electrical system, pull to turn on. Any rods of cables used to activate the switch must be minimum 1/8 inch diameter. Plastic or keyed switches prohibited.

 

Yup, I have pored over the battery relocation page and your entire website many times, thanks for putting all that great info up and maintaining it.

I talked with a friend familiar with the SCCA rules and he seemed to think that the switch could be mounted anywhere on the vehicle. Come to think of it, I have been at a few SCCA and SVRA events and have seen them on the hood, mounted to the roll cage, etc. I think the drag racing rules only stipulate the rear mounted switch.

There are plenty of "I thinks" in the above paragraph, once I get some confirmation on the rules, I'll post them.

Thanks, Randy