Hidden Ignition Kill switch install - Best wire to put the switch on?

[Yamariv]

Hey Guys, as I invest more and more money in restoring my truck, I've been thinking that I'd like to hide a kill switch somewhere up under the dash. I would like another layer of protection incase I have to park on the street in a shady area.

I want to put a toggle on/off switch but am not sure which wire to put it inline with, any recommendations on which wire to install it on under the dash? I'm looking for the truck to be completely dead if someone tries to turn the ignition.

Thanks!

[R.O.B.]

I've toyed with the idea of using the cigarette lighter. Re-wire it as a switch, and when you push it in, all is good, but when it's popped out, no power.

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by Yamariv

Hey Guys, as I invest more and more money in restoring my truck, I've been thinking that I'd like to hide a kill switch somewhere up under the dash. I would like another layer of protection incase I have to park on the street in a shady area.

I want to put a toggle on/off switch but am not sure which wire to put it inline with, any recommendations on which wire to install it on under the dash? I'm looking for the truck to be completely dead if someone tries to turn the ignition.

Thanks!

To disable the ignition system, install a switch in the power feed to the distributor. If you want to disable the starter, put the switch in the purple wire going to the starter.

If you want to "kill" the entire electrical system, you'll need to attach a very heavy duty switch in either of the main battery cables. Something like this:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/qcr-55-010

[yuccales]

While I'm all for hidden kill switch's, just remember how darn easy it is to jump in and coast our trucks around the block. Without locking steering wheels and locked in park we really are vulnerable to thieves. The transit bus I drove had an interlock on it so if the back doors were left open, no way were you going to get it out of park. Would be an interesting retrofit?

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by yuccales

While I'm all for hidden kill switch's, just remember how darn easy it is to jump in and coast our trucks around the block. Without locking steering wheels and locked in park we really are vulnerable to thieves. The transit bus I drove had an interlock on it so if the back doors were left open, no way were you going to get it out of park. Would be an interesting retrofit?

For sure, anything can be stolen but I figure one more deterrent is better than none. If a pro is actually targeting my truck, for sure they'll find a way to get it but I'm thinking more the young dumb opportunist who just jumps in thinking it would be an easy target for a joyride.

Figured putting in a switch would be real easy to do as long as I get the right wire. My truck has a nice big cushy spot in the garage so at least she's not on the street all night

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

To disable the ignition system, install a switch in the power feed to the distributor. If you want to disable the starter, put the switch in the purple wire going to the starter.

If you want to "kill" the entire electrical system, you'll need to attach a very heavy duty switch in either of the main battery cables. Something like this:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/qcr-55-010

I think disabling the starter would be the best. Just a turn of the key and nothing would be awesome. I do know where the purple wire comes out into the engine bay but I was hoping to put the switch under the dash. Is there a wire I could put the switch in before the fuse box and get the same result of the purple wire hack under the hood?

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by Yamariv

I think disabling the starter would be the best. Just a turn of the key and nothing would be awesome. I do know where the purple wire comes out into the engine bay but I was hoping to put the switch under the dash. Is there a wire I could put the switch in before the fuse box and get the same result of the purple wire hack under the hood?

If you don't have one, go to our ELECTRICAL forum and download a color copy of the wiring diagram for your truck. It's all there. Read the schematic. You'll find that the purple wire begins it "journey" to the starter right there at the ignition switch...

Yamariv, I can't come to your truck and lay your hands on them, but if you get on your back on the floor of your truck and look under the dash, you'll find all those wires I mentioned in my first 2 suggestions.

Depending on exactly which wire and where on it's circuitous route you want the switch, you may have to remove the screws holding the fuse box in place to gain access.. But, as I said, they're all there under the dash.

[rockyrivermark]

I installed four 3way switches under dash below steering column. In plain sight.

To lock, all switches to in middle position.

First switch. Up or down horn comes on

2nd switch brings power in and out to 3rd switch
3 switch sends power to HEI
4 switch disables neutral safety.

So it’s like a combination lock. Wiring close by minus HEI and simple to do.
I coupled that with a basic alarm system with power lock actuators.

You can also do the high beam relay trick. Super easy.

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by rockyrivermark

I installed four 3way switches under dash below steering column. In plain sight.

To lock, all switches to in middle position.

First switch. Up or down horn comes on

2nd switch brings power in and out to 3rd switch
3 switch sends power to HEI
4 switch disables neutral safety.

So it’s like a combination lock. Wiring close by minus HEI and simple to do.
I coupled that with a basic alarm system with power lock actuators.

You can also do the high beam relay trick. Super easy.

It's all your business and certainly none of mine... But the whole world now knows the combination to your "lock"....

[Rust_never_sleeps]

Personally, I'd disable the coil and let the starter crank. Letting it just crank and not start doesn't tip them off that it's switched. An old truck that takes a while to fire is pretty credible.
If you could make it fire on one cylinder like the VGG plug wire swap that'd be pretty sweet, but you'd need serious copper to switch that.

Sure, it's not going to keep them from rolling it onto a flatbed, but it'll baffle the bewildered.

[Accelo]

I know you are considering a stock truck. I agree something is better than nothing.
I have a LS conversion and aftermarket air.
The Air no longer uses the blower switch as the fan speed is on a slide.
I disrupted the power to the ECM with the fan switch.
Nice thing is is looks all stock.

Ya, the world know knows my secret. But what the heck, someone, unknown to me, filed my taxes this year. They had to know a lot. Good news it the IRS caught it before payment was made. It was a hassle to affirm my identity, and I had to file paper taxes this year. Not as bad had the IRS not caught it. Did you know the IRS allows you to have a pin. I recommend everyone get a pin and use it. Just like a kill switch, it keeps them out.

BTW, the "three on the tree" is likely a better deterrent!
Cheers

[HotWheelsFan]

Yes, grounding the distributor coil is better than an open circuit. The easiest way to keep the old trucks running is a wire from the battery to the coil, grounding coil or tach lead will prohibit ignition spark to engine.

Fuel cut off is also a decent deterrent.


Bob

[elguadas]

I like RustyPile and Rust_Never_Sleeps suggestion. I recently installed a kill switch to my 71 C10. It's an easy task.

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by elguadas

I like RustyPile and Rust_Never_Sleeps suggestion. I recently installed a kill switch to my 71 C10. It's an easy task.

Where did you end up putting yours?

[elguadas]

Originally Posted by Yamariv

Where did you end up putting yours?

I placed it in a hidden corner inside the glove box. The switch came with a black rubber cover that kind of blends in.

[67C10Step]

Originally Posted by elguadas

I placed it in a hidden corner inside the glove box. The switch came with a black rubber cover that kind of blends in.

I think he means on what wire. I've been following this thread closely as I have two trips to make in June/July and having a truck still there when I get back to it is high on my list.

[67C10Step]

Thank you. Although mine has the two anti-theft devices grumpy old man indicated, I plan to install some sort of back up. Since I have converted mine to HEI it may be the simple ground the tach lead.

[HO455]

Here's some more ideas.


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590462

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=696808

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=474293

And some these links have links also.

[72SB]

In addition to a hidden kill switch....also using a tire boot will at least slow them down. Cutting it off makes and ton of noise as does dragging the truck away.

[Jim Boy]

I installed cameras outside. Really looking forward to being forced into doing another.

[Grumpy old man]

Your truck is only really safe when you have the trunk monkey .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qtG82HJB2I&t=70s

[tim_mc]

HEI tach lead kill switch plus hood lock and battery disconnect for longer periods.

[mr48chev]

I wouldn't fuss with the electrical side, that can be circumnavigated too easy.

Back about 25 years ago I bought a 64 GMC from my buddy who had taken it in trade from someone else. I could fill the float bowl and it would fire right up but wouldn't pick up gas out of the tank, I went and got gas for it and fussed with it for a day or more until I decided to get under the truck and trace the fuel line from the 35 gallon stainless tank in the bed to the fuel pump. Right under the seat was a 3 way manual fuel valve like we used to use with auxillary tanks on trucks back in the 60's and early 70's before the square body trucks with dual tanks and the electric switch. It was turned to off.

It's easy enough to cut the ignition wire from the switch to the coil and add some wire and a hidden but reachable switch. Trouble is that a jumper wire with a pair of alligator clips under the hood bypasses that and it is too easy to bypass the starter switch. Shut off the fuel and they aren't going to drive it away especially if let it idle and run the bowl dry or almost dry.