In this DIY, we install a Starter Switch Relay in our 1958 Porsche 356 A Cabriolet. The reason for this modification is to reduce the current that flows through the ignition switch when starting the car. The relay is from a Joe Leoni kit that includes the relay, all wiring, and instructions. The install is pretty straight forward, but I did run unto a small snag in that my car had a different connector (a ring) on the Solenoid than what was supplied in the kit (spade). Instead of chopping up the original wiring harness, I opted to build an additional bridge wire that I outline in the video. I did this for two reasons: I don’t want to alter the original wiring, and also, if the relay ever fails, I can quickly return it to the original state on the road if need be.
If you wish to purchase the relay kit, you can contact Joe at joe356electrics@gmail.com. Also, feel free to contact me with any questions and I’ll try to get you going.
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Joe mentioned to me that the initial pull on the starter switch can be close to 40A! I didn't know it was that high! He also mentioned that my car was unusual with that ring connector on the solenoid. Most are spades. I have Joe's email in the description if you want to pick up one of his kits. He also has relays for the headlights that doubled the brightness on the car's lights! Totally worth it!. Franny
Hi, Frannie… realize this was months or years ago but I wonder what you or Joe Leone think of an extra ignition switch that allows one to turn the engine say, after a month of storage, for up to a 15-20 seconds to get the bearings on the crankshaft lubed before adding ignition? Always love your stuff. well thought out and very helpful. All the best to both of you in these trying times…
Brilliant video. Can you tell me if this relay would be suitable for the 6v system on a 1958 Beetle?
A couple of things- for the love of Mike get some coveralls,lol.You are going to ruin your clothes. secondly – I understand the rationale here because the starter switch is so expensive to lighten the load as it were,there just has to be a better place to put the relay.It's one thing to install on a lift but another kettle of fish in the field. Even McGuyver herself may have difficulty pulling that off.This brings me to another point.I know I know keep it original is the mantra but not changing the eyelet connector? Seems a bit much. In additional back to my point of originality and relay location-I'm guessing there are no other places without drilling a hole and putting in a grommet in some sheet metal. Yes on my Beetles I do that but completely understand reticence or unwillingness in others especially in your case to do so. Since i don't know the anatomy of 356s I can't say for sure but I would sure look for a better location for that relay. BTW I just changed my brake light circuit tonight on my 65 bug because I got so stinking tired of having to change those terrible hydraulic brake switches every 9 months. Required a relay too as the switch was rated for 5 amps and my circuit exceeded that considering I run a third brakelight in the lower rear window. Anyway cheers. ps think about some coveralls.
Super detailed video. Thanks for doing this. Any chance for a video on the lights relay install ?
Great job! You make it look simple. Thanks,!
Shouldn't there be a wire running off the starter to the voltage regulator? Or is that bundled in with the main power connection where we couldn't see it because it was wrapped in the harness?
Ha ha ha, I've no idea what that all meant, but good to watch
great video, just wondering, what voltage is this car? 6v or 12v? I think you refer to 6v in beginning but 12v at end of video.
Franny, my '59 coupe (Reutter 107520) also has the ring connector, not a spade, so I'm not convinced all late 'A's are not like that.