Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

We are contemplating installing battery disconnects on our Third and Fifth Series cars. One option is inside the frame near the battery. I have one friend who has installed a switch for a later model inside... under the instrument panel...with the rationale that if you are driving and smell smoke, you don't want to have to stop, run around the car,, open the hood to disconnect the battery.

We would like to hear what other owners have done...

Bob and Gail

I agree with your friend and didn't want to open my hood either.

Not quite apples to apples as my cars are both postwar but on the 56 I mounted the disconnect switch to the firewall and made an adapter to use a rod and extend operation to use a somewhat unobtrusive knob mounted within easy reach. Some have mounted their switches in the same approximate location but left the original operating lever intact. I didn't want to have to reach that far under and find the switch so did the extension.

On the 47 I used the same type switch mounted under the battery tray but adapted the lever to be worked with a push/pull cable so it could be operated with a knob located under the dash.

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Cole-Hersee rotary heavy duty switch mounted thru the front floorboard, up close and nearly against the driver's seat riser. Extremely convenient, just reach down between your feet.