Cigar lighter

[D35 Torpedo]

While I'm not a smoker, I badly want a working lighter. It's a strange necessity of mine. Like a factory working clock or Radio. My lighter is all there, but the element is shot and the wire pulled out of the back. Is my only solution Ebay? Get a new element amd repair the socket? I tried using a new 6 volt assembly and fitting my knob to it. But the knob jams and renders it useless. Insight anyone?

[Dan Hiebert]

In solidarity, I don't smoke either, but would be anal about having a working lighter, too.  Me, I'd try repairing what I have, first.  Could be as straight forward as reconnecting some loose or separated wires or parts.  Good clean electrical connections are paramount with all components of our 6v systems.  If a previous owner smoked, there could be some tar & nicotine build-up on the inside of the unit that is contributing to the replacement unit you tried jamming.

[harmony]

I know the feeling.  When people admire the condition of my car, I usually say " The radio, clock, and even the lighter, all work as original" With a huge smile on my face.  The only time it ever gets used is when someone says " nooo,,,, really???". 

Keep in mind, the swap meet season is fast approaching.

Edited March 5, 2023 by harmony

[andyd]

I found that an aftermarket light assembly was basically the same as the original type except that the original removable piece was all metal with a metal knob and the aftermarket one was plastic with a stylised cigarette engraved on its end...........the metal knob lighter fitted into the aftermarket assembly and worked as well so thats whats in my car........admittedly my car has been converted to 12 volts , V8 etc but like others I wanted a working lighter........i did smoke back then but gave up 25 yrs ago..........so I'd suggest trying to combine old & new parts to see if that will help.......I'm pretty sure that mopar used the small metal knob lighter at least up to the 1960's.........andyd 

[Sniper]

I don't think voltage matters to a cigar lighter, in any case here are some choices

 

https://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/interior,cigarette+lighter,cigarette+lighter,1268

[desoto1939]

The only issue that i see with trying to get a working cigar or cigarette lighter to be functional is that you are dealing with parts that might be 50-80 years old. And since we do not use these cars everyday I am leery of having a lighter connected with the possibility of it shorting and the car having a fire. Especially when I do not smoke.  If have the unit in my 39 Desoto as an option but it is not hooked up to any electrical line, just for show only.  This is my 25 cents worth of input. 

 

Rich Hartung

[Eneto-55]

I think the lighter that came with my car is from an early 50's DeSoto, but not sure, and I also do not smoke.  I'm a LONG ways from that stage of restoration, but I think I'll convert that spot into a "map light".  But it might be positioned too low to be useful for that.  (And yes, I'm still a paper map guy.)

[D35 Torpedo]

4 hours ago, Sniper said:

I don't think voltage matters to a cigar lighter, in any case here are some choices

 

https://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/interior,cigarette+lighter,cigarette+lighter,1268

So, I was searching last night for a replacement and found that the lighter was made by casco. It originally said casco 6v-8v on it. I assume the element with be a shorter length, and thicker metal, like all things 6v.

 

1 hour ago, Eneto-55 said:

I think the lighter that came with my car is from an early 50's DeSoto, but not sure, and I also do not smoke.  I'm a LONG ways from that stage of restoration, but I think I'll convert that spot into a "map light".  But it might be positioned too low to be useful for that.  (And yes, I'm still a paper map guy.)

I rewired my car completely, and fused every circuit. I used oversized gauge with modern insulation. I'd like to keep the lighter socket for a phone charger as well. Or any other device. I have a simple phone so if im going anywhere i screen shot maps ahead of time. I really should have a paper map!

 

14 hours ago, Dan Hiebert said:

In solidarity, I don't smoke either, but would be anal about having a working lighter, too.  Me, I'd try repairing what I have, first.  Could be as straight forward as reconnecting some loose or separated wires or parts.  Good clean electrical connections are paramount with all components of our 6v systems.  If a previous owner smoked, there could be some tar & nicotine build-up on the inside of the unit that is contributing to the replacement unit you tried jamming.

The element is broken completely. Replacement are on ebay, but expensive. The knob jams the unit because of its dimensions. It's to fat to slip inside the element "shell" when pushing it in. 

[Sniper]

8 hours ago, D35 Torpedo said:

So, I was searching last night for a replacement and found that the lighter was made by casco. It originally said casco 6v-8v on it. I assume the element with be a shorter length, and thicker metal, like all things 6v.

 

They work by heat, when it gets hot enough they pop out.  I don't know that the voltage matters, it's wattage at play.  However, there are a number of 6v lighters out there.

 

https://www.npdlink.com/product/element-and-well-cigar-lighter-6v/128771/50031

 

https://brillman.com/product/6-volt-cigarette-lighter/

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353329945091

[busycoupe]

10 hours ago, D35 Torpedo said:

So, I was searching last night for a replacement and found that the lighter was made by casco. It originally said casco 6v-8v on it. I assume the element with be a shorter length, and thicker metal, like all things 6v.

 

I rewired my car completely, and fused every circuit. I used oversized gauge with modern insulation. I'd like to keep the lighter socket for a phone charger as well. Or any other device. I have a simple phone so if im going anywhere i screen shot maps ahead of time. I really should have a paper map!

 

The element is broken completely. Replacement are on ebay, but expensive. The knob jams the unit because of its dimensions. It's to fat to slip inside the element "shell" when pushing it in. 

Casco was an aftermarket parts company. I think it stands for Connecticut Auto Supply Company.  The visor on my Dodge coupe is by CASCO. 

[D35 Torpedo]

4 hours ago, Sniper said:

 

They work by heat, when it gets hot enough they pop out.  I don't know that the voltage matters, it's wattage at play.  However, there are a number of 6v lighters out there.

 

https://www.npdlink.com/product/element-and-well-cigar-lighter-6v/128771/50031

 

https://brillman.com/product/6-volt-cigarette-lighter/

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353329945091

The casco lighter require that you hold it continuously until it's hot enough. (From what I can tell).They are taylored to a given volage. The heater coil is configured to draw a given amount of amps at six volts. A 12 volt lighter will draw to many amps and probably burn out prematurely. Even though they are of equal watt rating. The last one you listed is the one i have. But my knob wont work with it unless i grind it down ( cringe)

Edited March 6, 2023 by D35 Torpedo

[Sniper]

I have a casco lighter in my 51.  I do not have to hold it in.  But I replaced the entire assembly, not just the element as the PO removed the original lighter and installed a push button for the starter.   I fixed the original ignition switch and installed a new lighter assembly.

 

The same wattage at 12v uses LESS current than at 6v.  Watts = voltage times current.

 

 

[Semmerling]

If only to charge the cell phone (gps). 

My dash never provided for one, too early. It is mounted on the steering wheel column. Fused and what fills the lighter is a dual USB flush plug under a rubber cap. Maritime unit for a convertible. 

 

Edited March 6, 2023 by Semmerling

[Sam Buchanan]

I'm assuming you guys who are charging phones have converted to 12v, right?

 

If not, what are you using for a phone charger?

[D35 Torpedo]

1 hour ago, Sniper said:

I have a casco lighter in my 51.  I do not have to hold it in.  But I replaced the entire assembly, not just the element as the PO removed the original lighter and installed a push button for the starter.   I fixed the original ignition switch and installed a new lighter assembly.

 

The same wattage at 12v uses LESS current than at 6v.  Watts = voltage times current.

 

 

Ofcourse, I didn't think that one through to well. What I was thinking is that a six volt started works fine on 12 volts because the amperage is cut in half. So a 12 volt starter on six volts would be the other way. Windings are not rated for the amp draw. Same with the lighter. I just worded it wrong.

[D35 Torpedo]

7 minutes ago, Sam Buchanan said:

I'm assuming you guys who are charging phones have converted to 12v, right?

 

If not, what are you using for a phone charger?

Well I was going to cross that bridge when I get to it. I think I can modify a typical 12v charger to work on 6 volt. It shouldn't be hard at all. 

Edited March 6, 2023 by D35 Torpedo

[Sam Buchanan]

1 hour ago, D35 Torpedo said:

Well I was going to cross that bridge when I get to it. I think I can modify a typical 12v charger to work on 6 volt. It shouldn't be hard at all. 

 

Ok.....keep us informed.