Kill switch

[71VERT]

Does anyone have some good ideas on how and where to hook up a kill switch on a 71 convertible?

 

[JohnZ]

The heavy (12 ga.) purple wire from the ignition switch that goes to the "S" terminal on the starter solenoid is a good place for a kill switch; put the switch in series and mount it under the dash where you can lean down and reach it. When the switch is off, no power can get to the solenoid from the ignition switch.

 

[matchframe]

The way I did it on my '71 years ago; I tapped into the power wire going in to the coil. If someone tries to start the car, the motor will spin, but will not get fire. They may run down the battery, but they will think the motor has a problem, not that there may be a kill switch somewhere. I pulled the wires to the kick panel and installed a key switch. That way if they do discover the switch, they have to pull the wires off the switch to get power to the coil, burning more time than they will want to spend getting your car. This worked for me, and it paid off. I had to replace the stearing column, because they destroyed it, but they did not get the car. Hope this helps!

Bill

 

[zwede]

If you have points ignition run a wire to the neg side of the coil. Put a switch somewhere and then to ground. When the switch is flipped the neg side of the coil is permanently grounded and the engine will crank but not start.

Note that this ONLY works on points ignitions. If you have any form of electronic ignition this setup will burn the module.

/Markus

 

[MaineShark]

Mine is hooked to the starter motor. That way, the car can be powered-up, without worrying about someone driving off with it (or killing the battery trying to get it started). Probably not very useful, but I like having the option, if I wanted to listen to the radio or something.

It's installed in the driver's side door frame, at the bottom-front (below the hinge and door light switch). That gives several advantages:

-It's nearly impossible to get to the back of the switch to short it without taking half the car apart.
-The door lock protects the switch, which is especially good for you, since you have a convertible - a thief might slash the top and get in, but now he also has to realize that he should unlock and open the door, to search for the switch, which isn't likely to be his top priority when faced with a car that won't start.
-Opening the door a second time to de-activate the kill switch because you forgot is annoying, and you quickly learn to automaticaly turn that key before even closing the door, which prevents embarassing tries at starting the car with nothing hapenning.

The cheapest method, of course, is the old battery-mounted switch, which will probably foil 90% of the thieves out there.

Joe

 

[SwaveDave]

Mine is in series with the electric fuel pump supply wire , and i used a micro-toggle switch mounted on the side of the rear console (arm rest) behind the passenger seat , where it is very hard to spot.
With the switch tripped, they can still start the car, but the engine will die within 1.5 blocks when the carb bowl gas is used up.

 

[paul67]

A battery disconnect is a good kill switch.

 

[80vette_ca]

Is it very hard to wire in a key kill switch?

 

[SwaveDave]

Do u mean within the steering column ??

 

[80vette_ca]

I was thinking more a battery kill, but I'm not sure what will work the best, and still be easy to use.

 

[SwaveDave]

Well, youve got to determine WHY you want a kill switch ; do u want it to simply shut off the battery in case youre working on or around the electrical ...or, do u want it for an anti-theft device....or do u want it to shut down your engine , fast, in case of a malfunction of some sort ????

Once youve determined what you want it for, then , you can pick which method you think would be best for your need.

I gave my earlier opinion , assuming you wanted an anti theft device . Is this what you are trying to accomplish ???

Dave

 

[80vette_ca]

Anti-Theft

I want it for an anti-theft device. I don't want my car to go anywhere when the switch is activated unless the dirty thief tears my car apart. Sorry for not being very specific. Where could I even buy a kill switch? At an electronics store that sells alarms maybe? Any ideas?

 

[SwaveDave]

A 'kill switch' being used for an anti theft device can be something very very simple ranging from a small toggle switch or (as one non smoking inventive guy thought up..) , disconnecting the cigarette lighter and using IT as a 'push in' kill switch !

You can hide a small toggle switch somewhere in the cockpit that will not be easily found by a thief, yet, something you can throw each time you exit the car. You can use it to break the circuit of a few different things : the coil wire or the ignition key wire or the starter solenoid power wire , directly.....or, you can use a remote relay if you prefer.

Id suggest if you havent had much experience with the electrical on your car, that, you let your mechanic do the installation ... and just tell him that you want a mini toggle 'kill' switch located in the cockpit - you can pick out a good spot to place it im sure. Go to Radio Shack or any electronics store and ask to look at toggle switches.



Dave

 

[MaineShark]

I would suggest both a battery kill switch and an anti-theft switch on another system. The battery switch is nice for when you're working on the car, and for connecting/disconnecting the side-terminal battery without arcing (switch off, connect/disconnect, switch back on). But too many people have them, so theives know to look for them.

For security, I just remembered another system that I saw on a Shark: the owner had disconnected the starter connection from the key switch in the column, and installed a pushbutton to operate the starter. The button was mounted on the center console, down under the driver's seat. So, he would switch the car on, then reach down between the seat and the console and push the button to start. Had a high "coolness factor."

Joe

 

[80vette_ca]

Hey guys thanks for the replies, I will talk to my mechanic about putting in a switch when the weather is nicer. The push button start idea is a :cool idea too.

 

[80vette_ca]

Any idea how much a pushbutton started would cost?

 

[MaineShark]

Five buck? Not much. Just a pushbutton, and some wire, and some elbow grease.

Joe