Star Bright
July 16, 2023
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THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Beech Bend’s Best at the Tri-Five Nationals 2025
This year marked 70 years since the 1955 Chevy hit the streets, kicking off a three-year run that forever changed the automotive landscape. And judging by the rows of spotless Bel Airs, hardtop sedans, wicked gassers, and full-tilt pro-touring machines, the legend is alive, well, and meaner than ever. Everywhere you turned, there was another masterpiece—whether it was a flawless restoration, a ground-shaking drag car, or a radical custom that pushed the envelope.
CUSTOM STOPPING POWER
If you own a Ford or Chevy, most of the parts you will need to build a street rod are readily available, and from a variety of suppliers. We have written numerous stories about kits for these cars in our family of rodding magazines, and some of them were a direct replacement for the original. By and large, they worked perfectly and bolted right in, as designed. These types of kits are convenient for many street rod builders, as well as street rod shops, and they are part of what has helped grow our hobby into such a broad special-interest group. But in addition to the “normal” and most popular rods, there were many other great cars made in the pre-war era, and some of them can be a real challenge to street rodders because there are no pre-manufactured parts, and no kits that make them easy to build. Sounds like the old days, right? Well, that’s the modern world for you–even our hobbies have become targets of convenience.
REDEEMING THE FORGOTTEN Y-BLOCK
When Ford introduced its Y-block engine in 1954, it labeled the engine the worthy successor to the venerable Flathead. The Flathead gained a loyal following of hot rodders and racers, but the big Cadillac overhead-valve V-8 and Oldsmobile’s Rocket 88 were stealing Ford’s thunder in terms of power, so something had to be done, and Ford decided to respond. The answer was a clean-sheet V-8 design, featuring overhead valves and improved cooling compared to the old Flathead. It was dubbed the “Y-block” because of the way it looked and because of its deep skirt and tall cylinder heads.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Watch Dog Automatic Battery Disconnect Safety Switch by Flaming River
Smart Battery Control for Unmatched Peace of Mind
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Flaming River
In the realm of automotive care, ensuring the safety and longevity of your vehicle’s electrical system is paramount. The Watch Dog Automatic Battery Disconnect Safety Switch by Flaming River stands out as a premier solution for managing battery power with unmatched reliability and innovation. Whether you’re fine-tuning a classic car, gearing up for a race, or navigating rugged off-road terrain, this switch is engineered to protect your battery and electrical components under all conditions.
Key Features
Bistable “Magnetic Latch” Technology
The cornerstone of the Watch Dog’s design is its use of bistable technology. This sophisticated mechanism ensures the switch maintains its ON/OFF positions without drawing current, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. With the ability to mechanically separate contacts using over 80G of force, this switch exemplifies durability and dependability.
High International Protection Ratings
- IP67: This rating signifies the switch is dustproof and can withstand immersion in water up to one meter deep.
- IP69K: This rating further guarantees protection against high-pressure water jets, ensuring the switch performs flawlessly even in the most demanding environments.
Versatility
The Watch Dog is designed to handle up to 300 amps of current continuously, supporting both 12V and 24V systems straight out of the box. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of vehicles and applications.
Programmable Time Delay Settings
One of the standout features is the ability to set custom time delays for automatic battery disconnection. This simplifies shutdown routines and enhances safety by ensuring the battery disconnects at appropriate intervals.
Emergency Toggle Switch
Safety and control are further enhanced by an included manual emergency toggle switch equipped with a system status LED indicator. This feature provides immediate manual control, essential in unexpected situations.
Installation
The Watch Dog system is an electromechanical battery disconnect switch designed for straightforward installation. It includes an emergency external switch that disconnects the battery from the electrical system, but it does not deactivate the alternator or completely shut down the vehicle. This design consideration ensures that while the electrical system is protected, critical functions remain operational.
The Flaming River Watch Dog Automatic Battery Disconnect Safety Switch is a pinnacle of innovation, robust construction, and user-centric design. Whether you are a seasoned mechanic or an avid DIY enthusiast, this switch offers unparalleled peace of mind by safeguarding your vehicle’s electrical system.
To learn more, CLICK HERE or go to Flaming River’s website.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Flaming River
800 Poertner Drive
Berea, OH 44017 USA
(800) 648-8022
