Using Neutral Safety as Kill Switch?

Discussion in 'Sparky's corner' started by bostoncat68, Jan 27, 2020.

  1. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    This has been on my list for a few years and since I have the console out I was asking myself -- why not just wire a toggle into one side of the neutral safety switch -- so that it creates an open in the purple leads. Now, I know that this is far from theft-proof as you could still start the car using a screwdriver across the starter. However, I'm trying to create something that's an annoyance as it would take about 7 steps to make this car theft resistant (I have a convertible and no way to lock the hood -- so really if you know what you are doing, you can start the thing... without much work). I'm less inclined to start running wires to the coil - although I know that would be more effective. Is this a total waste of time? Am I missing something obvious?
     
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  2. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    Not at all, just where to hide the toggle???
     
  3. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    There are a few options @telriv -- The console itself has some storage areas that would accommodate a hidden toggle switch or a magnetic reed switch -- you could also tuck a reed switch under the carpet in that same area. Of course, you are also in the center of the car so you could run a switch up under the carpet to the back seat and bring it around to the ash tray under the rear quarter window -- or something crazy like that...
     
    Franks 68LARK likes this.
  4. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    As you've stated many different ways to accomplish the same outcome. A little thought & ingenuity & some fab skills go a long way.
     
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  5. Quick Buick

    Quick Buick Arlington Wa

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  6. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    A more conventional method is to add a circuit to ground out your ignition coil. The starter will crank, but there will be no spark.
    You can even do both.... disable the starter via neut safety switch AND add the coil grounding. They may figure out the neut safety, but will be further delayed by the no spark.
    Neither method helps if they come prepared to tow your car away.....
     
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  7. RoseBud68

    RoseBud68 Well-Known Member

    If your not using your cigarette lighter that could be your switch. When pushed it can be your kill switch.
     
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  8. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    I had a Buick 455 powered 72 Cutlass while in high school, that was a target for thieves. Used 2 toggles to ground the coil. One under the seat and another up under the dash. Switched em on when I had to leave the car
    Also made a fake coil wire and put that in place of the working one when I left my ride unattended . Jim
     
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  9. Sky72lark

    Sky72lark Well-Known Member

    On my 72 hardtop I ran a toggle from the distributor to the trunk and mounted it on the decklid hinge area. I'd have to look at a pic to recall the exact mounting point but it was a clean install. Took the coil wire off too sometimes due to multiple theft attempts in the Big Sleazy.
     
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  10. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    A padlock and cable looped thru the inner hood brace and around something in the rad support would work.

    Deterrents are always an option.... a 'Club' on your steering wheel with the front wheels turned all the way will help discourage towing it away. Alarm system or just a blinking led. An empty holster on the passenger seat ala Lucas...
    And a Lojack locator devise in case it does get stolen.
    I wonder if Haggarty Insurance would have some great suggestions since they are likely to know which method(s) are most used to steal classic cars.
     
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  11. 69GS430/TKX

    69GS430/TKX Silver Level contributor

    "This car insured by Smith & Wesson" bumper sticker?
     
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  12. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    Got a lil note taped to my gun safe.
    Says:
    No guns inside, they are in holsters.
    See ya soon.....
    Jim
     
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  13. Franks 68LARK

    Franks 68LARK Well-Known Member

    Does this cut the power off all the way? I want theft deterrent. And my battery keeps draining over night
    I want to put a cut off switch inside my car. Do you happen to know what wire is main power?
     
  14. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    This kind of kill switch interrupts the ignition circuit. It will not cut power to the battery so your batty will keep draining. You need to fix that issue by finding the source of the drain. In the short term you could buy a simple on off switch that wires into the battery cable. You would need to open the hood to use it. Apologies but I don't know your wiring skills. If you are not familiar with these kinds of efforts, hire someone or find a friend to help.
     
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  15. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    Every time I’ve had a parasitic drain just appear, it’s been the alternator or regulator. If you try a regulator, buy the +-$20 chinese one and put your old cover on it. A shop that rebuilds starters and alternators should be able to check your altenator. In the meantime, it’s not too difficult to pull the battery cable at night. Or add one of these.
    https://www.autozone.com/ignition/kill-switch/duralast-top-post-knife-switch/815833_0_0
    Patrick
     
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  16. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    My 2 cents, @Franks 68LARK when you have a parasitic draw you should start with a multimeter and look for the source of the draw rather than pulling things apart. Less is more, everything is fragile so the minute you start pulling off stuff you create the opportunity to break something...(ask me how I know that...sigh) I would hop on YouTube and watch a parasitic draw video (lots of them up there on older cars). Pull all the fuses and see what's happening. These cars are old and people have added (and removed) all kinds of stuff. Could easily be an old splice or some other issue with a modern gadget that is failing...or it could be the Alt or regulator... If you start with a multimeter, you'll surely invest an hour of time but you won't be swapping good parts for rebuilt crap or Chinese repo parts you don't need. You'll also be more confident that you fixed the root cause.
     
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  17. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    How many people of car thief age (kids) would even know where to look when it comes to starting one of our cars with the ing in the dash?
     
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  18. 69GS430/TKX

    69GS430/TKX Silver Level contributor

    Plus, most of them don't know how to drive a manual trans, that can deter theft as well. A few years ago, a guy was at a red light in his stick shift car, and a carjacker jumped in and tried to steal it. Found out it wasn't an automatic trans, got frustrated, and shot the owner.
     
  19. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    Briz, exactly why I wanted the kill switch. I figure if a kid hops in the car (a convertible so zero security) with a screwdriver or whatever and breaks the ignition switch he'll give up if it doesn't turn over. Then I can spend 9 months trying to find the 1968 only ignition switch parts... :_). Not to mention most people don't steal 18 foot long cars... 1968 Camaro it is not...
     
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