Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

[Jack H.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

First, in terms of a mid-year Corvette application these are 'aftermarket' parts. Why?

The retainer has a ground lug on it. Corvette factory original retainers didn't need/have that...

Second from the angle of the pix, it's hard to tell, but the power socket appears to be a 2-prong unit meaning it dates to the 70's and later.

Third, the flanged lip of the power socket is too wide for '58-62 Corvette use since those power sockets had to install in the recessed well of the instrument cluster. The wide lip creates an interference fit. Power sockets with this wide lip were common to Casco applications intended for flush dash mounting (spread the insertion force of the retainer).

Fourth, the threaded end of the power socket is zinc/cad silver which is a visual flag for the socket being long/deep vs. short/shallow. I'd expect it handle a no-date Casco element or a '72 dated dated Casco element. The 'short' power sockets intended to serve a '63, '73 or '78 dated Casco element were typically copper/bronze colored.

What more do you want to know?

[David L.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Jack,

Thanks for responding.
I bought the used housing & retainer assembly years ago at a swap meet for $1. When parts are that cheap I usually take a chance.

Dave

[Terry M.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

David,
I have seen some apparently original 1972 Corvettes with the 1972 CASCO element, and it and its receiver is different than the 63 CASCO element used in earlier Corvettes. I believe the 72 CASCO is addressed in the 1970-72 TIM&JG, but I don't have access to my copy at the moment.

[David L.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Terry,

Isn't the number "63" on the "63 CASCO" elements, the "72" on the "72 CASCO" elements, and the "78" on the "78 CASCO elements the year that the new style element was introduced (the years 1963, 1972, and 1978)?

I don't think that the "72 CASCO" element existed in 1970 or 1971.

My 1972 Corvette Parts Catalog list GM # 3794302 as the CASCO element for 1963-1972 Corvettes. My 1972 Chevrolet Parts Catalogs also list GM # 3794302 for 1963-1972 Chevrolet models that use the CASCO element. GM # 3794302 also appears in all my 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971 Chevrolet parts catalogs. Would GM use the same part number for both the "63 CASCO" (0.88" long) and "72 CASCO" (1.03" long) elements?

Dave

[Terry M.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

I believe your interpretation of the numbers is reasonable, and I have thought the same -- but I have never seen any "proof."

[Timothy B.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Pete,

Check out these pics of the lighter element installed in the hold position on my 63. If I understand you correctly this recepticle is correct for the CASCO 12V because the installed element sits flush.

Also, two pics of the receipticle showing the tangs inside. I can probably get a better picture if you need one.

[Peter L.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Tim -It sure looks like the pre 63 CASCO 12V lighter element and housing set up from your photos. So, it begs the 63 million $$$ "63 CASCO 12V" question regarding installation of 63 CASCO 12V lighter assemblies in 1962 calendar year build 1963s ???????????????????? We can hope that 63 gurus will step up. Pete

[Timothy B.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Pete,

Thanks for the information about the lighter assembly.

Any other early 63 owners out there that can confirm the usage of the 62 style lighter assembly on the early 63 cars..

[Wayne M.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Let me toss this eBay auction info into the mix. Original service element by CASCO; I suppose stamped '63 CASCO', given the years covered. Note the applications on the back of the bubble pack. I assume that this item was produced in 1966, as it says "1963 to date", which is 1966, per the back.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Wayne, I will take a dozen for $1.90. Are you suggesting the 63 CASCO started in the 63 calender year??

[Edward J.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Tim, I saw this post in the archives and was searching because my March 63 has the same Casco 12v lighter. I Believe mine to be original on my car. and still works correctly. I think they were left overs and maybe sometime during our year they were changed over.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Edward,

I agree with you, how does it fit in the receptacle. Look at post #21 to show how this element fits in my cars receptacle.

Anybody for a smoke.. :-)

[Edward J.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Tim my cluster is out for speedo repair, so I will take a look at the fit.I am sure its the same fit as yours. because when pushed in it does pop out normally glowing red.

[Edward J.]

Re: Casco 12V Lighter Element early 1963 coupe

Tim, My Casco 12v element fits the same as your pic. Is does have a long that the casco 63 , its about 1".