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

I have a switch that is similar to JW's as well, mounted on the firewall close to the steering linkage.
When I first got the car, I used the switch often as I stored the car remotely for a month or two at a time. Now it is in my garage, so I use a battery tender. Other than the clock, which seems to require no real draw, I don't believe there is any constant draw on the system while standing. Is there a reason that I should also be using the cut-off switch?

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No reason other than peace of mind.

Battery discharge is not so much the reason to use but more a fault prevention such as a component failure, an old dried & cracked piece of insulation falling off in the wrong spot, or the ignition switch melting failures one mfg had a few yrs ago and the more current flamb?e de Ford caused by the faulty cruise control switch.

Aside from possibly burning the house down, not that much is lost if a modern car is smoked or well done but a 70 yr old Packard is a different story.

John,

You are giving us all ideas!

Looking at your original photos again, I am thinking that a Cole Hersee 2484-09 switch could be mounted through the floor in my 39 LaSalle. The battery is under the driver's feet below a floor access panel(4 bolts). That would beat mounting it near the battery box UNDER the car!
DanL

41ParPac, I mounted the switch in the engine compartment for quick access, just in case . . . The under the seat was hidden and difficult to get to.

I had a '39 Cadillac Sixty Special several years ago. If I recall correctly, the battery was mounted in the engine compartment on the passenger side down low next to the firewall. I may be mistaken about the specifics but it was in the engine compartment. It was positive grounded. That is a car that should have had a cut-off switch - original wiring!