C2 Cigarette lighter removal

[Patrick B.]

How do you remove the lighter housing from the gage cluster? Is this advisable for restoring the gage cluster if the lighter is in working conditions?

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Patrick, Remove the lead wire and squeeze the dash lamp housing sides and lift off to remove that. Then unscrew the large rear housing CCW while holding the front/inner element housing with a rubbery object to keep it from spinning.

If it's rusted, first shoot it with some penetrant at the large threaded end. Just make sure it's cleaned up later or it'll ignite the residual spray if flammable.

Rich

[Patrick B.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Thanks Rich.

[Donald H.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Pat,

Here's a couple of pictures. Notice that the outer shell has some "teeth" or spikes on the end. These sort of dig into the back of the cluster housing and can make it hard to get off. But with some pressure it will unscrew from the receptacle. If the receptacle starts turning and doesn't allow the outer shell to unscrew, I put on a rubber glove and stuck a finger in the receptacle to hold it.

Don

[Patrick B.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Thanks for the nice pics Don. So the rubbery object Rich suggested is actually a finger.

[Donald H.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Thanks for the nice pics Don. So the rubbery object Rich suggested is actually a finger.

In my case it was.....

[Leif A.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

You guys just reminded me it's time for my annual physical

[Patrick B.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Richard and Don ---- You guys must be lucky for your lighter shells to unscrew. I have 2 dash clusters, my original and a spare I am practicing on. I cleaned the threads with a little wire brush on a Dremel and soaked them in Kroil for days but neither one will unscrew. Any more ideas out there?

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

are u employing the high reck physics lesson of "rightsy tightsy, leftsy loosey"? i've seen your 67 and remember it not having spent a lot of time outdoors or on salt-treated streets. i usually stick my right thumb in the male and unscrew the female with my left hand. maybe a little geritol for old pat is in order. regards ,mike

[Patrick B.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Thanks Mike, but I think I am trying to turn it in the right direction. I saw this Dorman product on Amazon and I just ordered it. The new lighter housing is a throwaway just to get the removal tool. Wish me luck.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G3YYSLE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Bob W.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Pat Keep us posted on how it worked.

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Pat, Unfortunately that tool is only compatible with the lighter socket included, which is used only on modern vehicles. It is not made to be used with what you have.

To get yours off, you may have to revert to pair of regular pliers on the outer screw threads of the rear housing while holding the inner socket with a small block/stick of soft pine or similar.

Rich

[Patrick B.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Rich -- I think I see what you mean. The tool has two prongs at 180 degree spacing, but the original lighter socket has three openings at 120 degree spacing. I guess I just wasted my money. This tool might work on the later GM replacement sockets.

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

if u have no intention of re-using the lighter pieces, take a small 2" whizzer wheel to the threaded pieces of the lighter. mike

[Patrick B.]

Re: C2 Cigarette lighter removal

Mike -- I have found that the lighter in my spare cluster works well and I would like to use it on my original cluster whose lighter does not work but might be fixable if I get it out and examine it. I have a set of internal pipe wrenches that I will try to hold the housing with.