Cigarette Lighter 1967 Corvette

[Joe S.]

I finally purchased the correct COSCO lighter for my 1967 Corvette. The problem is the lighter ejects from the socket into my lap. Not good for performance verification. How do you adjust the element so it remains in the socket when cycle completes?

[Chuck M.]

Re: Cigarette Lighter 1967 Corvette

Disconnect the battery First! You will see there are three tabs inside the lighter housing, bend them toward the center ever so slightly so they grab the lighter a little more securely which will help prevent the lighter from popping all the way out. It might take several tries but you will find the sweet spot.
Good luck on your PV! Where are you attempting it?

[Joe S.]

Re: Cigarette Lighter 1967 Corvette

Thanks Chuck. I only saw two tabs in the housing. I tried to pry them out however I did not have any success. After further evaluation I determined the element was not extending at the end of the cycle. I tried to relieve the tabs that held the element together. This also did not work. When the element was all the way in it would not release from the outer shell which acts as an additional softening of the element spring. I believe it is a defective element. I am not ready for a PV I was referring to the performance portion of the Top Flight judging. I am attending the Pennsylvania Regional and attempting to gain a Top Flight at the event

[Donald H.]

Re: Cigarette Lighter 1967 Corvette

If you only have two tabs in the receiver, then it's a replacement/reproduction. The originals had three tabs.
I had the same issue with my 66. I bent and rebent the 3 tabs. I finally used a different element and that fixed the problem. The one that kept popping completely out seemed to have a stronger internal spring. Both elements where NOS CASCO 63 correct lighter elements.

[Joe S.]

Re: Cigarette Lighter 1967 Corvette

Thanks Don,

I discovered two issues with the Casco element I purchased. It does not extend upon completion of cycle which should eliminate the popping out and the spring does appear to be stiffer than the replacement element I was using. I ordered another NOS element and hope that will solve the problem. If not I will search for an original receptacle.

[Mark D.]

Re: Cigarette Lighter 1967 Corvette

Thing is, if you catch it (when it comes flying out in your lap) you look cool as Steve McQueen as you light your favorite smoke while going 100+ mph.
Kramden