The Stovebolt.com Forums Home | Tech Tips | Gallery | FAQ | Events | Features | Search
Fixing the old truck

BUSY BOLTERS
Are you one?

Where is it?? The Shop Area

continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.

Searching the Site - a click away
click here to search
New here ??? Where to start?
Click on image for the lowdown. Where do I go around here?
====
Who's Online Now
11 members (Charles in CA, Wally / Montana, TUTS 59, Shaffer's1950, 2-Ton, JW51, 46 Texaco, niobrarafun, MikeE, Ponchogl, BLUEMEANIE), 554 guests, and 1 robot.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics126,776
Posts1,039,274
Members48,100
Most Online2,175
Jul 21st, 2025
Step-by-step instructions for pictures in the forums
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#1504157 06/07/2023 11:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
Has anyone wired one of these up or know exactly how?
thanks!!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/321113425761
Attachments
s-l1600.jpg (166.75 KB, 286 downloads)


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,392
Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT
Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,392
Guitplayer,

This quick Battery Kill Switch install video should give you the basics for what you need.

Just a very basic short down and dirty how-to. grin

Dan


~ Dan
1951 Chevy 3 window 3100
Follow this story in the DITY Gallery
"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"
1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver)
US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
B
Sir Searchalot
Sir Searchalot
B Offline
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
Everything electrical in your truck has a switch.(or two). 99.99% of the switches control the power to something. Since the whole chassis and body is the ground path. So every switch is a "breaker", inline on the power wire. So basically: power wire in on one terminal of a switch and power wire out on the other terminal of a switch. I can only think of two things where the ground is switched. Horn and maybe dome.

Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 5,684
O
'Bolter
'Bolter
O Offline
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 5,684
Same way you wire a light switch in your house.

Pick a convenient spot and cut the hot wire. Attach one end of the cut wire to one terminal and the other end of the cut wire to the other.


1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) | 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) | 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe | 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,392
Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT
Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,392
bartamos,

I think in this case, from reading his previous posts about faulty ignition switches, I believe he is wanting to use this in a hidden spot as a master power disconnect switch.

An on purpose ground disconnect to prevent any electrical activity unless he turns it on.

Dan


~ Dan
1951 Chevy 3 window 3100
Follow this story in the DITY Gallery
"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"
1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver)
US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 5,684
O
'Bolter
'Bolter
O Offline
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 5,684
He can wire that switch to the ground wiring as well. Same method as above,

Pick any convenient spot in the circuit and cut the wire and tie the loose ends to the terminals on the switch.


1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) | 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) | 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe | 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 157
D
'Bolter
'Bolter
D Offline
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 157
I ran the negative battery cable thru the shutoff switch on my 51, 3100.


Dan

35 CC Case
38 Chevy Pickup
51 3100 AD
58 3100 Apache Fleetside
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
B
Sir Searchalot
Sir Searchalot
B Offline
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
Originally Posted by Gdads51
bartamos,

I think in this case, from reading his previous posts about faulty ignition switches, I believe he is wanting to use this in a hidden spot as a master power disconnect switch.

An on purpose ground disconnect to prevent any electrical activity unless he turns it on.

Dan

Lot's of ways to install either a "KILL" switch or a "safety" switch. You can disable the hot wire to starter or it's switch or you can shut off the whole huge negative battery cable (like Jimmy "cut the hole too big" Spagnolli did) or anything you desire. All a bunch of wasted time in the whole scheme of things and what goal is in mind. You can use steering wheel locks, hood locks, pedal locks, alarm systems.

Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 157
D
'Bolter
'Bolter
D Offline
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 157
I installed the shutoff switch for maintenance operations rather then theft prevention.


Dan

35 CC Case
38 Chevy Pickup
51 3100 AD
58 3100 Apache Fleetside
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
I`ll purpose another scenario.
A child gets in my truck here at the house.
Sees the switch with no key and sticks anything in there.
The truck starts in gear. Tragedy.
Another foghorn... You are built too low to the ground son, everything goes over your head.

Last edited by Guitplayer; 06/08/2023 12:57 AM.

~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 9,830
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 9,830
Deleted some off-topic posts.
Please continue on topic.


Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
Follow this saga in Project Journal
Photos
1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
Thanks, You see it not only about security but also safety.

A club won`t help that. Taking the keys out will not help that.
The switch needs to be able to be locked or disabled with a key.


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 157
D
'Bolter
'Bolter
D Offline
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 157
Guitplayer,

Good point, definitely a good practice to shut the power off with grandkids around. My grandkids love to play in the trucks. Another added benefit is no dead battery after they leave the headlights on.


Dan

35 CC Case
38 Chevy Pickup
51 3100 AD
58 3100 Apache Fleetside
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,504
J
'Bolter
'Bolter
J Online: Content
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,504
Originally Posted by D B Cooper
I installed the shutoff switch for maintenance operations rather then theft prevention.

I did the same. Mine is just one of those simple screw-in knob type shutoffs on the negative battery post.


1951 3100
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,832
C
'Bolter
'Bolter
C Offline
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,832
Most race car classes require a remote cut off switch mounted on the outside of the car. Also a roll over breather on fuel tank---all for fire safety.


Evan
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
I just need something to be safe and secure here in the garage or if
I take it to the Ace hardware or out to dinner. I can lock the doors there.
But here it is garage kept and I leave the keys in it.
Its insured for theft but Id betcha Hagerty would appreciate any and all help in this regard.


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4,100
AD Addict & Tinkerer
AD Addict & Tinkerer
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4,100
I installed just a cutoff switch on the negative side for two purposes. One in case of a electrical fire, while I was in the process of replacing faulty wiring, I could quickly kill the power due to the battery being under the mat and second as a theft deterrent. It won’t stop an educated thief but will stop a kid with a stupid idea of taking a joy ride.

Another benefit is isolating the battery during winter storage.
Attachments
IMG_3641.jpeg (237.05 KB, 161 downloads)

Last edited by Phak1; 06/08/2023 2:25 PM.

Phil
Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals

1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube
Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes
Project Journals
Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,504
J
'Bolter
'Bolter
J Online: Content
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,504
Originally Posted by Phak1
I installed just a cutoff switch on the negative side for two purposes. One in case of a electrical fire, while I was in the process of replacing faulty wiring, I could quickly kill the power due to the battery being under the mat and second as a theft deterrent. It won’t stop an educated thief but will stop a kid with a stupid idea of taking a joy ride.

Another benefit is isolating the battery during winter storage.

Nice discrete install. Looks like seat frame. Does the other end of that ground go to the chassis or a bell housing/ starter bolt?


1951 3100
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,168
"Hey! I sound like Darth Vader!!
"Hey! I sound like Darth Vader!!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,168
Originally Posted by JW51
Nice discrete install. Looks like seat frame. Does the other end of that ground go to the chassis or a bell housing/ starter bolt?

DON'T ANSWER HIM!! IT'S A TRICK!!

Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,504
J
'Bolter
'Bolter
J Online: Content
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,504
It’s not a trick.
Attachments
IMG_0663.jpeg (18.99 KB, 127 downloads)


1951 3100
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
I sure don`t understand some of this.
Can somebody tell me how to use the switch I bought.
I`d like to mount in the cab under the dash. Near the existing ignition switch. If I have to bring
a large negative battery cable inside the cab, I need another route.


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
B
Sir Searchalot
Sir Searchalot
B Offline
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
You can just place it inline with the ignition switch power feed. Or any power wire that prevents starter from getting power. Some of the kill switches are for the neg battery cable. You don't have to go that nuclear unless you want to. You can cut off the whole truck's neg or just the ignition power.

That style is not quite right for a hidden power disconnect switch as I describe, because it's terminals are unprotected. Exposed to shorting. The one's that attach to the neg battery won't have a shorting problem. But that is the only place to kill negative becasue the rest of the "negative" path is the whole chassis. So if you want to do a power cut off, keep that terminal protection in mind. Maybe a more simple, less robust toggle switch can be used for the power disconnect.

As you know, it's all about how you mount it securely. All the the dash switches that have power to them have terminals sticking out/unprotected. So take your clue from that and improve if you wish.

CLICK Bend up a bracket for this and hide mount it. This switch as an optional "Lock Guard" and mounting bracket.

Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
I bought this toggle first. Ran the red battery wire form back of switch to that and
back again to switch and it did nothing. Kinda stumped.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RYGY5FY?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4,100
AD Addict & Tinkerer
AD Addict & Tinkerer
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4,100
Originally Posted by JW51
Nice discrete install. Looks like seat frame. Does the other end of that ground go to the chassis or a bell housing/ starter bolt?

I simply placed it in between the battery ground and the original grounding point on the frame. Details on the installation can be found here. https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...-chevrolet-3100-project.html#Post1351905


Phil
Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals

1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube
Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes
Project Journals
Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
B
Sir Searchalot
Sir Searchalot
B Offline
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
Well we don't know about all the wiring on your truck. If it's all done per original diagrams or other methods, Assume a 327, some kind of harness, a "original" ignition switch. Maybe ballast resistor, maybe an ammeter and so on.
The switch has markings on the rear for the terminals:
1. ACC
2. IGN 1
3. IGN 2
4. START
5. BAT

There is a hot wire to the ignition switch BAT (B) terminal. That would be the one you would use to put the toggle on. You could also put it on the start wire. I am not exactly sure what you said. I have to be very careful to understand. It's easy to misunderstand each other during wiring assistance. So another way to say it is: Remove BAT wire from Ign switch BAT terminal and attach it to one side of toggle. Add a jumper from other side of toggle to Ign sw BAT terminal.

If that does not work, you have some screwed up wiring somewhere.

Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
Yes, thanks I tried the BATT. It has a HEI ,could I use that?
Wiring is all good. I`ve done 3 58-59`s.


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,249
Herder of Cats, Goats, and Sheep (moderator)
Herder of Cats, Goats, and Sheep (moderator)
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,249
Originally Posted by Guitplayer
Yes, thanks I tried the BATT. It has a HEI ,could I use that?
Wiring is all good. I`ve done 3 58-59`s.

If you removed the BATT wire from the ignition switch and the truck can still start then the wiring is not all good.


From the Rocky Mountains?
Check in with the RM Bolters!
HiPo Forum Moderator

1958 Task Force Truck
"Frank" gets a new lease on life
Follow in the DITY Gallery
1959 3200 Task Force
The Ballad of Enkidu
The Saga in the DITY Gallery ~ and the story continues
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
B
Sir Searchalot
Sir Searchalot
B Offline
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
If you carefully describe where each wire goes from the ignition switch, I may be able to figure out what is happening.
If you put the toggle on the HEI wire, the starter will still crank but it won't start.

Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
Thanks so much ! I like the idea of it trying to crank but won`t


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
B
Sir Searchalot
Sir Searchalot
B Offline
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
If it is in gear it will move quite aways. Back to scenarios again.

Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
Well durn, I see your point.


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,886
J
'Bolter
'Bolter
J Offline
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,886
Add one of these, https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Sol...hy=9023226&hvtargid=pla-442124931095 with a hidden switch. They may get it started, but it won't get very far.

Last edited by Joe H; 06/10/2023 12:35 PM.
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 5,684
O
'Bolter
'Bolter
O Offline
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 5,684
I have a hidden toggle switch on my F-100. It cuts off the ignition but not the starter.

If someone tries to hotwire the truck, the starter will keep spinning but the engine won't crank.


1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) | 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) | 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe | 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
If its gear ,it will still lurch ? More often or not while in the garage I leave
it in gear. Still fear the grandkid will crawl in there and try and start it.


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4,100
AD Addict & Tinkerer
AD Addict & Tinkerer
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4,100
Originally Posted by Guitplayer
If its gear ,it will still lurch ? More often or not while in the garage I leave it in gear. Still fear the grandkid will crawl in there and try and start it.

If you disconnect either the ground or the positive cable, that won’t happen. A disconnect switch makes that easy. A locking one, like the one you started this thread with, is even more secure

Last edited by Phak1; 06/10/2023 3:50 PM.

Phil
Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals

1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube
Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes
Project Journals
Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
Thanks Phil! If I could mount that first switch under the lip of the dash,
that would be the way to go. Having large battery cables inside might be a chore to deal with.
I`ll look further into it this week. The key operated used ,accessible and discreet is my 1st choice.


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 28,674
H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
H Offline
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 28,674
Remember that not all disconnect switches are created equal. Some of them only have around a 200 amp capacity or less, while others have a surge current capability of 1,000 amps or so. If you're running a 6 volt system, don't skimp on current capacity, or there might be enough voltage drop across the switch to make the engine crank slowly or have a "crank- - - -no start" situation due to low voltage at the coil. If you've got any fancy electronics like a digital clock, GPS or a high end sound system onboard, you might need to wire in a "keep alive" circuit that bypasses the disconnect and provides a constant hot and ground to that device. Otherwise, you'll erase all the pre-set information every time you switch the power off.
Jerry


"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
G
'Bolter
'Bolter
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,730
Thanks Jerry , good point.


~ BD.
You won't find me in an old folks home
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 9,830
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 9,830
Jerry's point about a "keep alive" circuit is spot on.

But most switch ratings are for when the switch is opened under load so the contacts don't burn from arcing. Unless your starter is engaged while you're turning the battery switch off, you shouldn't have to worry a lot about switch rating. Although a switch that has terminals with a #10 screw size would probably be toasted the first time you hit the starter, engaged or not. If you use a disconnect with terminal screws at least as big as the lug on the starter, you should be fine.


Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
Follow this saga in Project Journal
Photos
1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,249
Herder of Cats, Goats, and Sheep (moderator)
Herder of Cats, Goats, and Sheep (moderator)
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,249
Most high quality power switches have both a maximum passthrough current and a maximum switching current.

I have seen more than one person weld a switch shut doing something like this. Depending on the design, you could weld it shut, turn it "off", take the key out, and still have power through the whole system.

I don't know how much current a 6V starter pulls, but I would not be surprised if it was over 400A.


From the Rocky Mountains?
Check in with the RM Bolters!
HiPo Forum Moderator

1958 Task Force Truck
"Frank" gets a new lease on life
Follow in the DITY Gallery
1959 3200 Task Force
The Ballad of Enkidu
The Saga in the DITY Gallery ~ and the story continues
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Moderated by  Jon G, Rusty Rod 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Home | FAQ | Gallery | Tech Tips | Events | Features | Search | Hoo-Ya Shop
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 8.0.0
(Release build 20240826)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 8.3.11 Page Time: 0.069s Queries: 18 (0.041s) Memory: 0.8087 MB (Peak: 1.0820 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2025-09-22 16:27:54 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS