Classic/Antique Car Repair: Cigarette Lighter Removal, Cigarette lighter socket removal

Question
I have disconnected the cigarette lighter on my 65 Pontiac Le Mans.  I want to remover the old lighter to remove the trim and repaint the dash. How do I remove it?  It still works, so I do not want to damage it, nor the bezel.

Thanks,

Greg  

Answer
You have to reach under the dash and grip the outer shell of the lighter socket, while you stick your thumb into the front of the socket so you can prevent it turning.  

Now, unscrew the outer shell by turning it with your hand under the dash (disconnect the wire from it if you haven't already done that).  

Since it has been tightened on there for 45 years it might be a bit hard to get it to start unscrewing, but just give it a good twist - it will come unscrewed.  If you can't budge it, give it a soaking from behind the dash with PB Blaster (in the yellow top can at your auto parts store - magic stuff!)

Then, the outer shell will come down from the inside of the dash, and the socket assembly will just slide out the front of the dash.  

If there is an added bezel, it should come with it - or at least it will be obvious how it comes off.

In my 65 Grand Prix, it just came loose when I took the socket out, but I haven't done this on a Le Mans.   

They are all pretty much the same (lighter assemblies), so I think this will work for you.

Dick