Instalation of a switch start

[cdv3286]

Installing a flip switch start on my 40...can someone tell me if this is how I do it...I am making connections where the key used to be.

I see it taking two switches: one to act as the start position (to engage the starter) and the second to act as the on position)

I take the one hot wire (am on the wire diagram) of the four at the key and route it to both switches. One switch goes to the starter (st on the wire diagram) and the other goes to the others (IG and ACC). Is it that easy?

Thanks for the help!

 

[mcwinery]

Count me in

I want to do this but also add another hidden switch so I can park it without someone deciding to take if for a spin. Any suggestions.

 

[xjnation]

What year 40? There should be a "hot" that has constant power. An ignition switch is just contacts. ACC position sends power to accessories only (radio, etc), run should power up everything except for the hot signal to starter, and start will send power to all the above. You could run the hot from battery to both switches, have all items powered by the "run" position on 1 switch (make sure it is rated high enough or put in a relay) and have the other switch (preferably a momentary on switch) send the power to the starter solenoid (sp?). The best switch for a starter would be a push button momentary on switch. Any auto parts store or radio shack should have 1. Remember the "run" switch will be passing alot of amps (relatively) through it so don't use the $2.99 auto parts special switch. It would be safer to wire a relay that gets signal from said switch and then powers the circuits.

A simple interuptor (on/off) switch between the starter button and starter (or the button and power) can be hidden to keep the truck from being able to be started without knowing where it is. If you really wanted to work for it install 5 or so switches inline that have to be switched in a combination to send power. (ex. up-up-down-up-down-down) Wire them so power will only pass through with the switches in a certain combination. Just a random thought.

 

[antFJ]

the way i've always visioned that i'm going to do it is have a hidden switch to cut off all power.

then in order to start the vehicle the key has to put the column in the run position.. the "start" position won't work because it has been wired to a hidden push button.

this way you have to know where the two hidden switches are as well as have the key in the ignition still.

as said above though - make sure you get switches that can handle what you want them to and then it should just be a matter of finding the wire that you want to interrupt and putting the switch in-line to open the circuit.

 

[xjnation]

I know a few guys running battery cut-off switches hidden inside the front fender. Kills power to the whole rig. Then again popping the hood and just looking at where the battery cables run will be the giveaway.

 

[cdv3286]

How does one determine how many amps the switches need to be able to handle?

 

[Vicm]

Is this supposed to prevent people from taking your rig?
It might make it a little harder ,but it is still easy enough to start it and you only need signals if you plan to be making turns. Our rigs are not good getaway cars. I would just buy insurance.
There are poeple that will take your rig with you still in it and I don't mean just government people.

 

[KOOTENAY KRUZER]

These hidden switches are just to stop joy-riders and thieves who are looking for quick access to transportation. If your vehicle is specifecally targetted for theft they can use a tow truck or winch it into a van rather than drive it off.

 

[gmats]

I have just installed a start switch on my 82-40. I removed the signal wire to the starter and insulated it. And ran a new wire from the battery to a momentary on button. And a wire from there to the starter. I put a inline fuse on the "hot" side. It seems that the signal is not strong enough to engage the solonoid. The key is still needed to power the ignition. had plenty of starting problems untill this fix. hope it helps.

 

[ocdbeetle]

Go here and scroll down to the ignition switch part...Learn the basics of what the switch does and it'll be a lot easier to configure what you want....

Ignition Circuit Components

 

[jhaha]

I have a battery cutoff switch hidden, a hidden switch which must be "on" to supply the fuel pump with power, a regular "key" which the "start" position makes the horn blow, and a hidden start button underneath the dash.

cdv3286, your wiring idea makes sense, make your "on" switch also feed power to your momentary "start" switch.

Correct me if I am wrong, but amperage should not really matter because the start switch is just being used to energize the starter.

Good luck

 

[mcwinery]

Reason for a secret switch is that my forty is setting in a carport. Anyone can just walk in and drive off. Having a hidden switch is just to keep honest kids honest and not go for a joyride.