My 56 still has the original wiring harness in it
. I drive it 2 or 3 times a week and always disconnect the battery when I am done. My battery is in the stock location under the trap door on the passenger side floor pan. Pulling back the carpet and constantly opening and closing this door and connecting/disconnecting the battery is getting old. I am kicking around the idea of adding another starter relay in series with the one that is installed in it now, then adding a hidden switch in the cab that will power on the new relay thus connecting the battery and ignition voltage to the original starter relay. When done driving you simply turn the switch off. That will cut off the power for everything making me worry less. Anybody done this or have any thoughts?

 

If you drive 2 or 3 times a week do not see a need to disconnect the battery IMO.

 

I routinely leave mine for a month without starting it. No problems. Are you concerned about a short lighting things off?

I don't think the solenoid idea will work, those just aren't made for continuous duty. There are plenty of bulkhead mount disconnect switches you could put on the floor right above the battery.

 

Why do you disconnect the battery after you drive it?

 

"My 56 still has the original wiring harness in it"
This from the OP./\
I've seen a few and driven a few older vehicles where I would feel more comfortable disconnecting the battery when vacating the vehicle.

 

Are your concerns based on safety, parasitic draw or theft prevention?

 

Especially in an attached garage, say. Good preventive strategy. The battery shutoff switches are mostly junk at the retail level. Good ones designed to carry the amperage are close to a C note.

 

I have a batt disconnect connected on the ground side with a removable key. Use it for theft prevention and fire prevention.

 

[QUOTE=ALBUQ F-1;16254007]I routinely leave mine for a month without starting it. No problems. Are you concerned about a short lighting things off?

I don't think the solenoid idea will work, those just aren't made for continuous duty. There are plenty of bulkhead mount disconnect switches you could put on the floor right above the battery.[

Yes sir. I worry about the lack of fuse controlled protection in the various beach circuits in the truck.

 

It sits by itself in a storage unit. So if it has an electrical problem and starts cooking, no one's around to know.

 

Yes, it's a safety concern.

 

How about one of these?
Moroso Battery Disconnect Switches 74101 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

 

PO put one on my truck and yes I do use it from time to time if we are going to be gone for awhile.

 

I would suggest one of these.

 

I'm using the Painless 50710 which was $80 bones. With my Batteries mounted under the body, it's really convenient.