CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

[Michael J.]

I have always used the battery tenders that clip onto the battery terminals to keep my '64's battery maintained, has anybody tried the ones that plug into the cigarette lighter and is that circuit strong enough to keep the battery up like in modern Corvettes? Thanks.

[Keith B.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

Using that means you can't use a battery cut off switch

[Michael J.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

True, but I can live with that if the battery stays up.

[Harry S.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

Michael, I would put a fuse-able link on the cigarette lighter wire. If it was to overhead you would have a fire. Best I know C2 cigarette lighters were only made to do one thing, heat the element for a short period so you could have a smoke. No CB's, cell phone chargers, etc.

[Michael J.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

Thanks Harry, that is what I suspected. Guess I will just keep going with the more inconvenient method to keep the battery fresh.

[Richard M.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

Harry, AMA spec for 1964 says there's a 10 Amp fuse for the lighter. That's all wrong, correct?

See PDF page 49 here....It says it's fuse (b), same as backup lights, but that was a option.

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits/Corvette/1964-Chevrolet-Corvette.pdf

There is no lighter fuse shown in the wiring diagram on page 94 of the PDF.

The lighter(14 G Red) is under constant power from the harness junctions and BAT connection BUSS bar(12 G Red) at the horn relay which is sourced from the Solenoid Battery cable POS cable. This circuit passes through the bulkhead connector(the infamous Big Red Wire that can make the car dead if the Twinlock terminals are corroded).

Since it's a 14G wire at the lighter, as long as the CTEK charger sources a small current(specs are ?), say in the low to mid 100's of Milliamps(ie less than a Amp), it may be okay to use that. Of course, I would definitely fuse the circuit. A simple glass type barrel fuse holder link could be made and attached to the lighter terminal from the 14 G Red wire feed to protect this circuit. A 5 or 10 amp should suffice to protect the charger and wiring, but obviously not a 5 amp for a load of anything like a lighter, etc.

In fact now that I think of it, the CTEK may have fuse protection built in to the lighter plug. Michael can you post a link to specs?

Rich

[Michael J.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

Here are the specs for the ones I use for my modern cars:

http://www.ctek.com/cy/en/chargers/MXS%203.8

[Gene M.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

Michael,
Battery tender has a connector where you connect to the battery and run the lead thru the fender gills. Then make the connection outside the car. You don't have to raise the hood. Just unplug and go. It would allow for a cut off switch too, but you would need to raise the hood for that.

[Michael J.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

Except I have a '64 with no exterior gill openings. I use that trick on my '64 Cobra, but no go on the 'Vette.

[Richard M.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

I like Gene's idea better.

It's max 3.8 Amps at full charge, probably for desulphate(sp?) capability.

I just read the User Manual and Spec Sheets. Nothing about built in fuse protection, however it has electronic reversed polarity detection so it won't turn on if reversed.

You may want to call Tech Support and ask about this lighter socket application.

Rich

[Frank D.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

I wouldn't use a fusible link in the cockpit....they smoke when they blow and it can get exciting. A blade type ATC fuse is best.
On both of my cars those I just have the charger's pigtail lead connected to the battery terminals with ring connectors...and can charge the battery and still have the disconnect work... Not that trouble to raise the hood and connect things IMO.

[Michael J.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

Not that trouble to raise the hood and connect things IMO.

[John H.]

Re: CTEK type cigarette lighter plug battery tender for C2

1967 was the first year that the Corvette lighter circuit was fused.