don't try this at home

[azruss]

I decided to install a battery isolation switch. first to eliminate transient drains on the battery during garage time and 2nd as a mild anti-theft deterrent. I decided to locate the switch in the side of the battery box. Had several issues due to the location. PITA to cut the hole to begin with. Then i tried to make a short cable. Gave up on that after 3 hrs of messing around. came up with the idea of doing a custom buss bar. went to look for copper and the only stuff i found was from a custom panel maker. the smallest piece he had was 1/4x1". So i spent most of the morning thining it in both directions so it would be bendable. The project took several hours with lots of trial and error. mainly errors. The final result was what i was hoping for. Just a warning that if you decide to do the same, plan on spending lots of hours doing it.

[kd1wo]

I did essentialy the same on mine. I found the common buss bar in the plumbing section at Depot. It's just a perforated
ground strap, hand bendable and went together very easily.
It's worth the effort!!!!

[FiatMac]

I like it.

[wikkid]

Or, why not just use THIS.....

[FiatMac]

Or, why not just use THIS.....

Wikkid,
I have used one of those before. It works fine as long as you don't have a cover on your battery box, but with a battery box cover it would be a pain to remove the cover every time you wanted to disconnect the battery!

[76124]

Looks great, Russ. I was thinking of placing one under the gas cap lid for easy acess and more use as a theft deterrent.

[BEEK]

theft deterrent.

first has anyone tried to beat a fiat steering column lock?
try it, i dare you!
if someone is going to steal a fiat they better bring a new column with them.

[azruss]

cant be too hard. just ask John D.
I am also adding a hidden fuel pump kill switch.
As far as using plumbers strap for a buss bar, i was uncomfortable with shoving a couple of hundred amps thru it. wanted something substantial i wouldnt have to worry about getting hot so close the the battery.

[TJW124Spider1975]

Azruss it looks great! As for theft I had my 124 Sport Coupe stolen many years ago in Madrid, Spain I had it parked outside by my apartment got the next day it was gone. Walked around and found it a few blocks away, steering column lock busted and ignition hot wired and a terrible mess. I guess kids on a joy ride. After that I bought one of the locks that goes around clutch and attaches to the steering wheel, and it is bright red. So it can be done stolen.

Thomas.