What Ground Cables for Cutoff Switch

[OL JENNY]

When using the rotary cutoff switch available from most vendors, what source of ground cables is everybody using. I want to place it so I can reach it from the drivers seat in my 1930 Tudor. I have read various threads on the Barn discussing the need to have large gauge cable for grounding a 6 volt system. Since the length of the cable will depend on where the switch ends up, do you make a cable with welding cable and your own ends? Are there cables made with both ends correct? Are some of the commercially available cables ok to use? Thanks for taking a look at the post.

[Mitch//pa]

the suppliers sell the proper cables also for the cut out.... avoid the smaller modern ones

[jmeckel]

If you have a Mills Fleet Farm in your area they sell large tractor cables in many different lengths. These are larger than what is really needed for 6 volt. However over sized is good, under sized (standard 12 volt car type of cables), is bad.

[Mitch//pa]

this is on snyders site

[Patrick L.]

You should be able to find the cables you want at your friendly local tractor/equipment store. Should be #0 cable, #1 will work, but, I prefer bigger.
If not there, then the local welding store will have what you want.
If not there, then as Mitch suggests. The vendors have them.

[Kurt in NJ]

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Take a magnet with you, some of the pre-made cables use plated steel for the terminal ends ---which can become a bad connection

[Rex_A_Lott]

I prefer to make my own with welding lead and the copper crimp-on ends. (Tweco makes them, maybe others).After you get it all installed, spray them with the red CRC battery terminal protectant to help prevent corrosion.Sometimes I will use the marine type battery connector so that you can use ring lugs on both ends of the cable and they are held on by a wing nut.
Good Luck

[mshmodela]

I used the cable Mitch mentioned... About a 1 hrs or so job... The car is now electrically dead with this switch in place when I choose. I like the idea that the switch is away from things that might cause a fire (i.e. in the car's interior). I have a late 31, so I have to turn on the fuel from the inside the hood anyway.

[OL JENNY]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I currently have the vendor cables like Mitch mentioned, but I want to move the switch from the bracket on the starter to a location where I can access it from inside the car. The vendor cables are then too short. I appreciate the tractor supply and welding cable information.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

the suppliers sell the proper cables also for the cut out.... avoid the smaller modern ones

Small cables are a great idea for those who have converted to 12 volts. By using a small diameter cable but as long as you like, you cause a voltage drop in the cable which helps a 6 volt starter motor and bendix survive. They have PLENTY of capacity for all the other electrical functions of the car

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by OL JENNY

Thanks everyone for the replies. I currently have the vendor cables like Mitch mentioned, but I want to move the switch from the bracket on the starter to a location where I can access it from inside the car. The vendor cables are then too short. I appreciate the tractor supply and welding cable information.

i have mine under the seat, thats the way to go for convenience and aesthetics.

[Y-Blockhead]

Here's a picture of mine from under the car, pokes thru just infront of the seat on my Town Sedan.

[Barber31]

I placed my switch directly between both front seats on the wood portion.

[gridleak]

Length is just as important as size. A 1 foot 12 volt type cable is just as effective as a 2 foot 6 volt cable. Mount switch as close to battery and ground point as possible.

[Willie Krash]

Originally Posted by Rex_A_Lott

I prefer to make my own with welding lead and the copper crimp-on ends. (Tweco makes them, maybe others).After you get it all installed, spray them with the red CRC battery terminal protectant to help prevent corrosion.Sometimes I will use the marine type battery connector so that you can use ring lugs on both ends of the cable and they are held on by a wing nut.
Good Luck

Speaking of red CC spray; years ago as a cable TV high level sweep tech I was in charge of power supplies too.
We always had a gallon of Karo corn syrup. Used it on battery terminals.
Works well.