85 S&S Ignition/Battery

[xtnkshun]

Morning TT'ers,

I am working through the spaghetti mess that the PO made of the wiring. The battery kill switch was bypassed and a 'push-to-choke' style ignition was installed. I have replaced the battery kill switch and got it wired in and looking to replace the switch with one from skidim (3 or 4 position).

Right now, if I turn the battery switch on, the dash gauges come alive regardless of wether the key is in or not. I am assuming that is not how it should work?? I would think that even with the battery switch on the gauges shouldn't come on unless the key is in "Run" for a 3-position switch. Is that correct?

I'm considering a 4-position switch for the stereo, anyone see any problems in that?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[LYNRDSKYNRD]

You are correct the gauges should not activate until in the run position. My old switch was 4 position but my stereo is direct wired to a second battery so I just use a 3 position that i bought locally from Orielly's that has worked well for me.

[xtnkshun]

Thanks for confirming

[xtnkshun]

what battery do you guys recommend? The one I have now is huge and barely fits in the battery hole.

[LYNRDSKYNRD]

I like interstate batteries not sure what size I have.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[xtnkshun]

That is what I have, but it barely squeezes in and I'm afraid its going to rub the power wires coming up from the bottom of the box. But, thanks for the info.

[lukedeuce]

I have the duralast 24md-dl in my 83 S&S. It barely fits, but doesn't rub the wires.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=298374_0_0_

[xtnkshun]

Thanks Luke. I will take a look at that one.

@Lynrdskynrd - What year do you have? I'm interested in 2 battery setup and curious how the old S&S guys mounted them.

[mzimme]

I run an Optima blue top in my 83. Fits fine, has good cranking power, and will run accessories all day long. At $260, it's not cheap though.

[xtnkshun]

Originally Posted by mzimme

I run an Optima blue top in my 83. Fits fine, has good cranking power, and will run accessories all day long. At $260, it's not cheap though.

Indeed, but only a bit more than the cost of 2 batteries...plus the charge interruptor, finding a mounting location, etc...more like breaking even. What kind of stereo do you run? I don't intend on anything crazy...four 6 inch speakers and maybe a small amp for them. No subs.