'63 cigarette lighter lamp?

[Bruce G.]

Anyone here have a '63 that can confirm cigarette lighter housing illuminates with headlight switch on? Quick...........go in garage and let me know. I have asked many knowledgeable C-2 members and get varying answers. Thanks, Bruce

[Frank D.]

Re: '63 cigarette lighter lamp?

Yes My May 29th 63 had a light for the lighter socket.
Its been a while but this may be it in the pic, and yes, its a "gray whire" bulb so the dimmer rheostat for dash lights controls its brightness IIRC
If its not the lighter then its the ignition switch.

[Ed S.]

Re: '63 cigarette lighter lamp?

I have a 64, the cig lighter light illuminates if the parking or head lights are on - assuming the pull control knob that can be rotated to dim the instrument panel lights is turned up high enough to actually illuminate the instrument cluster light circuit.

[Alan D.]

Re: '63 cigarette lighter lamp?

Take a look at the 63 electrical diagram, all the gray wires are common and connected to the light switch for dimming While you are in that area do NOT forget to fuse the 14-R wire to lighter or burn baby burn!!!!

[Frank D.]

Re: '63 cigarette lighter lamp?

Yes, the lighters weren't fused until '67 IIRC and some repro lighter housings had a dangerous defect....possibly causing a dead short from the power wire spade lug to the housing, if that lug should somehow touch the side of the housing.

Although most modern accessories you plug into a lighter now are internally fused.

[Norm B.]

Re: '63 cigarette lighter lamp?

Yes. On my early '63 it lights and dims with the headlight switch. Consider it to be just another instrument light.

[Alan D.]

Re: '63 cigarette lighter lamp?

Not only were "some repro lighter housings had a dangerous defect" An original could also cause a fire/harness melt, hence car burn!
All these lighters (<67) need to be fused.

[Bruce G.]

Re: '63 cigarette lighter lamp?

Appreciate all your responses. My next question is 'what does housing look like'? Frankie, I believe the circled part in your post is ignition switch lamp connection. There are several supposedly '63 lighter sockets on Ebay but only shows 2 grooves on outer connector............is that all I need and/or does lighter pick up illumination from surrounding gauge? Not sure if my description makes sense but willing to accept your critiques. Thanks again for any help, my OCD gets the better of me in my confusion! Bruce

[Frank D.]

Re: '63 cigarette lighter lamp?

The gray wire bulb is seated inside of a small holder whose tabs slip into the grooves on the housing and looks like this over-priced piece, the cigarette lighter does not pick up light from nearby gauges - it has its own bulb:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/253405759213?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=253405759213&targetid=4580496732614417&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=418233788&mkgroupid=1230353745471221&rlsatarget=pla-4580496732614417&abcId=9300542&merchantid=51291

[Bruce G.]

Re: '63 cigarette lighter lamp?

Gotcha. All I have to do now is find grey wire that has been cut and splice wire and bulb connector. Thanks Frankie I can always depend on your expertize. Bruce