Posted By: 383man
Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 01:19 AM
I finally installed a cutout switch in my 63 since my battery is in the trunk and it seems they always let me slide but I wanted to make it right. So to make a long story short my battery is on the left (drivers side in my trunk. Its all stock in the trunk as I use a stock gas tank and when I put it in the cable my buddy had given me was not long enough to reach over to the right rear. So I installed it in a marine case in the left rear as it really makes no difference to me which side it was on even though everyone says the right side is best. So I did not want to drill a hole on my car body so I drilled a hole in the upper corner of the left tailite so if I ever want to change it back to all stock (which I dont think I ever will) all I would have to do it put a new taillite lens in it. I bolted the switch to the battery box and adjusted it so it works great. It sticks out about 3 inches when on and when pushed off its even with the taillite bezel so its not easy to see when its off which I like because if I want to turn it off when I park somewhere I push it off and most wont even see it.
My question is someone told me today that the switch has to be on the right rear of the car ? I never looked at the rulebook to see as I did not think it made a difference. So I am wondering if anyone knows if that is a real NHRA rule ? Thanks , Ron
i dont think there is a rule that says that.
I'd say, NO there isnt, but it always happens that someone quotes something that proves me wrong.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 01:30 AM
No... has to be at the back and labeled(push off)
mine is on the left side of the license plate
Posted By: 1967dartgt
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 01:31 AM
Don't know about the right side but it needs to be labeled. As far as what is off.
Posted By: fasteddie
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 01:41 AM
Every one I've ever seen is on the passenger side rear.
I found this on turbo-mopar.com
Mandatory when battery is relocated or on any vehicle running
9.99 or quicker. An electrical power cutoff switch (one only) must
be installed on the rearmost part of each vehicle and be easily
accessible from outside the car body. This cutoff switch must be
connected to the positive side of the electrical system and must
stop all electrical functions, including magneto ignition. The off
position must be clearly indicated with the word “OFF.” If switch is
“push/pull” type, “push” must be the action for shutting off the
electrical system, “pull” to turn it on. Any rods or cables used to
activate the switch must be minimum 1/8-inch diameter. Plastic or
keyed switches prohibited.
NHRA requires you to be a paying member to see it on their website.
I can't find anything specifying either side of the car.
Posted By: bigtimeauto
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 02:54 AM
There is NO rule for what side its on.
Posted By: Keith Richards
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 03:19 AM
Mine is centered in the rear taking up the spot that was once the Challengers centered reverse light, it is now hidden by the parachute. There is about 5" clearance to reach in and turn it on or off and I have it clearly marked on either side of the chute on the taillights. Been through plenty of techs even had them reach in and make sure it actually turned the car off and have never had a tech tell me it was an issue as I thought I would get grief since adding the chute. Good Luck I think you are fine!
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Posted By: 383man
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 04:36 AM
Thank you all. I did not think it mattered as I have never heard that and I have been around drag racing most of my life. Just another one of the BS buddies who always has to act like he knows everything. I did not take a pic of it but the shaft is about 1/4" diameter and it comes out the right upper corner of the left rear tail lite lens. This way the tail and brakelite still work fine as the 1157 bulb is in the center of the lens. It has a black T-handle which I trimmed down a little in size so when you push it off it wont hit the any of the chrome bezel as both of them cost me $499. about 4 years ago. Dont want to scratch either of them if I can help it.
Thanks again for the replies. Ron
Posted By: Keith Richards
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 04:55 AM
I did a nice push - pull switch on my '68 road runner through the drivers side taillight , kinda see it here........
Posted By: ProStDodge
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 05:22 AM
There is no NHRA rule requiring the switch on either side, just on the rear most panel of the car.
Quote:
General regulation
8:1 BATTERIES
All batteries must be securely mounted; must be of sufficient capacity to start vehicle at any time. Batteries may not be relocated into the driver or passenger compartments. Rear firewall of .024-inch steel or .032-inch aluminum (including package tray) required when battery is relocated in trunk. In lieu of rear firewall, battery may be located in a sealed .024-inch steel, .032-inch aluminum, or NHRA-accepted poly box. If sealed box is used in lieu of rear firewall, box may not be used to secure battery and must be vented outside of body. Relocated battery(s) must be fastened to frame or frame structure with a minimum of two 3/8-inch-diameter bolts. OEM located batteries without complete OEM hold-down hardware must be secured to OEM battery box/tray using the same 3/8-inch diameter bolt hold-down method described in previous sentence. (“J” hooks prohibited or must have open end welded shut.) Metal battery hold-down straps mandatory. Strapping tape prohibited. A maximum of two automobile batteries, or 150 pounds combined maximum weight (unless otherwise specified in Class Requirements), is permitted. Maximums may vary according to Class Requirements.
8:4 MASTER CUTOFF
Mandatory when battery is relocated, or as outlined in Class Requirements. An electrical power cutoff switch (one only) must be installed on the rearmost part of each vehicle and be easily accessible from outside the car body. This cutoff switch must be connected to the positive side of the electrical system and must stop all electrical functions including magneto ignition. The off position must be clearly indicated with the word “OFF.” If switch is “push/pull” type, “push” must be the action for shutting off the electrical system, “pull” to turn it on. Any rods or cables used to activate the switch must be minimum 1/8-inch diameter. Plastic or keyed switches prohibited. Switches and/or controls must be located behind rear wheels on rear-engine dragsters.
Most of the time the battery is located on the passenger side to help add a little pre-load on the Right rear tire. this can also be done with ladder bars, 4-link, cal-tracs, or good shocks.)
Posted By: StealthWedge67
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 06:09 AM
As everyone has said, no matter what side the switch is on. But, you mention a "marine box", is it sealed with a vent tube?
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 03:47 PM
Bottom Line......
There isn't any money in it for NHRA on what side it is on so they don't care.
Posted By: bonefish
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 04:25 PM
i still have the back and forth switch,no ones ever said a word.
Posted By: VernMotor
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 05:03 PM
Mine is on the driver side ans has been look at by many tech inspectors
Posted By: Mr.Yuck
Re: Is this an NHRA rule ? - 10/18/12 05:12 PM
It doesn't matter. I had one in the middle of the lisence plate on a 68 Dart.
