Re: Optima 6 volt red top battery
Posted by su8overdrive On 2023/8/15 18:10:40
JWL adds another cogent point, Tommy. A master battery disconnect switch is a must on any vintage or special interest car. But don't get one of the cheap ones that mount on a battery post requiring you to open and close your hood constantly.
I like the brass Cole Hersee marine-grade M284, available at any NAPA outlet; the one auto parts chain all old car folk should patronize because they generally have better stuff as low or even lower than the other chains. Of course, you can also shop around online.
Note you have '40, '47, and '48 Packards. On my '40 One-Twenty, mounted the Cole Hersee just ahead of the underfloor battery box, so you only had to reach down by the front of the driver's seat to switch it on and off.
Below is a picture of the Cole Hersee installation in my '47 Super Clipper, which of course will suffice for your '48 as it shares much the same inner structure. This way, you just reach under the dash to where the handle protrudes from the firewall well above the clutch, brake, gas pedals.
As mentioned many times, always use double aught (00) solid copper wire to and from the battery, starter, engine ground, ends both crimped and soldered.
You can get this at any big rig supply house. Never settle for "heavy duty" battery cable at any auto parts store in today's 12-volt world, because it will still be too skimpy.
Whatever disconnect switch you buy, make sure it's rated for more amps than your starter draws. The Cole Hersee will handle up to 36 volts but at our mere 6 will handle still more amps.
Ours are luxe road cars, so there's naught luxe about constantly opening and closing our hoods, esp. w/ our timely, oft irritating one side at a time arrangement shared with Buick ... Dear God, how the mighty have fallen.
Attach file:
Disconnect switch.jpg (34.85 KB)
I like the brass Cole Hersee marine-grade M284, available at any NAPA outlet; the one auto parts chain all old car folk should patronize because they generally have better stuff as low or even lower than the other chains. Of course, you can also shop around online.
Note you have '40, '47, and '48 Packards. On my '40 One-Twenty, mounted the Cole Hersee just ahead of the underfloor battery box, so you only had to reach down by the front of the driver's seat to switch it on and off.
Below is a picture of the Cole Hersee installation in my '47 Super Clipper, which of course will suffice for your '48 as it shares much the same inner structure. This way, you just reach under the dash to where the handle protrudes from the firewall well above the clutch, brake, gas pedals.
As mentioned many times, always use double aught (00) solid copper wire to and from the battery, starter, engine ground, ends both crimped and soldered.
You can get this at any big rig supply house. Never settle for "heavy duty" battery cable at any auto parts store in today's 12-volt world, because it will still be too skimpy.
Whatever disconnect switch you buy, make sure it's rated for more amps than your starter draws. The Cole Hersee will handle up to 36 volts but at our mere 6 will handle still more amps.
Ours are luxe road cars, so there's naught luxe about constantly opening and closing our hoods, esp. w/ our timely, oft irritating one side at a time arrangement shared with Buick ... Dear God, how the mighty have fallen.
Attach file:
Disconnect switch.jpg (34.85 KB)This Post was from: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=260408