13 replies to this topic

[happydude2012]

After leaving the original piece of tat electrical cut off switch well alone, im revisiting the idea of a battery isolator switch, something to stop the power from the battery reaching the ignition etc.

Id like one in the cockpit somewhere but im thinking the easiest thing to do it just put one in the boot - like a master switch.

 

Few questions:

 

1) Can anyone suggest a location, maybe with picture? reasonably DIY-able.

2) Can anyone suggest a good quality master switch?

3) Slightly off topic, but if i wanted to get rid of my plasticky standard steering cowel for a more race spec look, what would you suggest> i see a bunch of wires under the cowel and ideally in the future id like to go push start - im assuming id need to keep the ignition barrel (steering lock etc) - BUT A NICE QUALITY PUSH START WOULD MAKE A NICE EDITION  - BY THE WAY APOLOGIES FOR THE CAPITALS, THE BUTTON HAS JUST BROKEN.

 

THANKS IN ADVANCE

[happydude2012]

Im looking at tarting up my ignition and all that jazz.

 

Couple of questions,

 

1) Can anyone recommend a good master cut off switch 

2) Where would be best to put one? ive seen them in the cockpit but that looks like a ball ache to fit - although very very cool./

3) Has anyone removed their steering cowel and replaced it with something more race spec? the old plastic thing i have doesnt suit the race spec interior.

4) Can anyone reccoemend a decent choice for a new battery? ive renewed the alternator for a high outpout but i think the battery also needs replacing, ive heard people talk about Peugeot 205 diesel ones? 

[Colinmac1330]

I have used a Dis-car-nect for years and have never had any problems with it, maybe worth checking out?

[nicklouse]

3 there is nothing more race spec. Normally left bare or with some foam padding over the tube..

[Curley]

I can think of two good options

 

1) a solid state battery isolation switch you might find on a race car: http://www.cartekmot..._isolators.html

2) a 20Amp rocker switch/circuit breaker: https://uk.rs-online...738323039333726

 

and for a push button start I use the button out of an S2000 and a relay. 

Edited by Curley, 13 March 2018 - 06:46 PM.

[Spider]

Not sure if this fits in with your requirements, however I have used a few of these and found them good

 

eg  https://www.amazon.c...l/dp/B01ARMC5K8

 

Very simple and goes in the boot, so also doubles (to a point) as an anti-theft device too.

 

If you have a Radio or clock that you'd like to keep powered up when the switch is OFF, then just fit a 10 or 20 amp fuse across the switch, effectively bridging it out. This will keep the clock alive, but if something draws much power, eg a short or someone attempting to start it, the fuse will blow cutting all power.

[page]

1) there is a manualy way and an autoway of master cut off. 
2) a) the manually way is to use one of this https://www.carbuild...tandard-version on a small panel on your boot or engine bay. 

     For sure you can fit this under your dash or under the tray or everywhere you like it inside the car. The thing is that you have to bring in some serious thick cables and that will be serious job. 
Or else you can do is to drill your floor panel (if you don't mind) and instal this https://www.carbuild...tch-fia-version . The power cable is runining under and across you floor pan . 

     b) the autoway is to use one of this https://www.carbuild...-solenoid-relay . into the boot or engine bay too. You can energize this with every switch, rocker any type you like.  very easy to do. 

 or as Curley wrote. it's the same thing . 

 

* in all of these, you can use the trick that Moke Spider wrote. This is so, so clever !  

 

3) i have removed my cowel too. (it is so ugly ) i don't mind the little spigot (locking the steering wheel ), turn it the other way and down where the column meets the tray . This way looks like a porsche... hahaha... 

 

As a start button you can use a deticated button that writes start, a little more complex for those who writes start and stop, or you can use whatever button you like in the conjunction of a 70 amp relay to energize the solenoid of your starter. 

 

4) probably it's the wiring that needs a renewal too. With the use of big thick power cable you can use whatevery battery you like .  
 

 

 George. 

Edited by page, 14 March 2018 - 04:58 AM.

[phillrulz]

Not sure if this fits in with your requirements, however I have used a few of these and found them good

 

eg  https://www.amazon.c...l/dp/B01ARMC5K8

 

Very simple and goes in the boot, so also doubles (to a point) as an anti-theft device too.

 

If you have a Radio or clock that you'd like to keep powered up when the switch is OFF, then just fit a 10 or 20 amp fuse across the switch, effectively bridging it out. This will keep the clock alive, but if something draws much power, eg a short or someone attempting to start it, the fuse will blow cutting all power.

 

 

id take the "to a point " away looks like you just need to pull that PTFE insert out and pinch it together ! 

Edited by phillrulz, 14 March 2018 - 05:20 PM.

[Spider]

 

Not sure if this fits in with your requirements, however I have used a few of these and found them good

 

eg  https://www.amazon.c...l/dp/B01ARMC5K8

 

Very simple and goes in the boot, so also doubles (to a point) as an anti-theft device too.

 

If you have a Radio or clock that you'd like to keep powered up when the switch is OFF, then just fit a 10 or 20 amp fuse across the switch, effectively bridging it out. This will keep the clock alive, but if something draws much power, eg a short or someone attempting to start it, the fuse will blow cutting all power.

 

 

id take the "to a point " away looks like you just need to pull that PTFE insert out and pinch it together ! 

 

 

For sure. Or, remove the switch and plonk the battery cable back on the battery.

 

But, it's not that easy to break in to a Mini Boot when locked, quite hard in fact, unless they want to damage it.

 

One less obvious advantage of this set up is, for the casual thief, they will think the car is fine until they try to start it and everything goes dead. Then thinking it has some issue upon trying to start it, they'll likely move on to the next car.

 

None the less, no matter what system you fit or use, if someone really wants your Car they'll get it no matter what lengths you go to.

[phillrulz]

 

 

Not sure if this fits in with your requirements, however I have used a few of these and found them good

 

eg  https://www.amazon.c...l/dp/B01ARMC5K8

 

Very simple and goes in the boot, so also doubles (to a point) as an anti-theft device too.

 

If you have a Radio or clock that you'd like to keep powered up when the switch is OFF, then just fit a 10 or 20 amp fuse across the switch, effectively bridging it out. This will keep the clock alive, but if something draws much power, eg a short or someone attempting to start it, the fuse will blow cutting all power.

 

 

id take the "to a point " away looks like you just need to pull that PTFE insert out and pinch it together ! 

 

 

For sure. Or, remove the switch and plonk the battery cable back on the battery.

 

But, it's not that easy to break in to a Mini Boot when locked, quite hard in fact, unless they want to damage it.

 

One less obvious advantage of this set up is, for the casual thief, they will think the car is fine until they try to start it and everything goes dead. Then thinking it has some issue upon trying to start it, they'll likely move on to the next car.

 

None the less, no matter what system you fit or use, if someone really wants your Car they'll get it no matter what lengths you go to.

 

 

Too right!! My friends mini boot is scarily easy to break into... He lost his keys and i had to take his boot lock out. Funnily enough the WHOLE handle and barrel was held in with a single nut. The other hole was over sized. With a good yank it could have come out then all it takes is a screwdriver to turn the square drive and open it. And lucky for him. i 3D printed him a new key fob about a year ago. Gave the picture of the key to a lock smith he made a new key first try. 

[happydude2012]

For the record, im not after a security system that will stop Jason Bourne from stealing my car - I have adequate deterrent security and frankly if it gets nicked, who gives a ****, its insured.

As long as they don't take the Mrs, kids and the dog I really don't care.

Let them steal my rusty piece of crap - sure its cost me money and time, but so what, I don't lay awake at night crying about how much money its cost me over the last 4 years, and the fact ill die and the universe will end if it gets nicked.

If mr pro thief wants to steal my car, maybe he aint so pro - and if johnny opportunist wants a go, there are 4 things on my car that will deter them from, bothering, firstly a quick glance through the window will reveal no steering wheel.

 

Whenever the topic of master switches comes up, someone will take the chat to security and anti theft - and then begineth the battle of "Who can think of the best way to steal a mini"

So people offer solutions,  such as.

1) Removable steering wheel

2) Tracker

3) Battery cut off

4) Fuel pump cut off

 etc etc

 

And the responses are always indefensible, like saying "Infinity steal your car"

 

1) "Well they don't need steering wheel, just use mole grips"...... best of luck navigating the round about in Redditch with blood mole grips - maybe you deserve the car.

2) "They will drive the car into an underground bunker at the bottom of the sea cased in lead so theres no signal.....etc etc yada yada

3) "They will re-route the wiggle fuse and the zip-zorp and just drive away ...easy.........all this is the dead of night in total silence.

4) "they will .....er.....infinity steal your car!

 

 

anyway, any advice on battery? ive heard many suggestions but would like some help.

[nicklouse]

any 096

[timmy850]

I bought one of these. It'll go between the negative battery terminal and the earth. Not a security switch, it'll just be to keep the battery from going flat

Attached Files

•  61082.png   160.1K   0 downloads

[happydude2012]

I have used a Dis-car-nect for years and have never had any problems with it, maybe worth checking out?

 

 

fitted one! brilliant! thanks for the suggestion.