Cigarette lighter plug question
#16
Rennlist Member
I found myself in the same situation about 2 years ago and wound up getting a plug with a handy "no smoking" detail. Read about my adventures here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...o-smoking.html
(Thread also contains a bonus "plug size" discussion)
- Dave
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...o-smoking.html
(Thread also contains a bonus "plug size" discussion)
- Dave
#17
button queen
That is fabulous, and the plug looks very cool and contemporary. Actually, RallyJon has mailed me a replacement lighter (so that I can keep the "period perfect" look in the car). BUT, the no smoking plug has captured me a bit so I'm going to get that kit too and see how I like the plug--very cool.
Thanks. RLers are great.
Thanks. RLers are great.
#19
Pro
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Greater Seattle (via NH)
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Poor Fit
I had the same problem with a 1 to 2 plug. I needed 2 "live" plugs at the same time. One for my cell phone charger, the second for a radar detector.
What I did was wrap a small piece of thick paper (not oak tag - but with a similar width) doubled over around the exterior of the plug. Paper is not a conductor. Just be careful not to interfere with the springs or anything that is supposed to make an electrical contact.
I did not wrap the paper completely around the plug. Just about 1/4 of the way around it. It creates a nice "tight" fit.
What I did was wrap a small piece of thick paper (not oak tag - but with a similar width) doubled over around the exterior of the plug. Paper is not a conductor. Just be careful not to interfere with the springs or anything that is supposed to make an electrical contact.
I did not wrap the paper completely around the plug. Just about 1/4 of the way around it. It creates a nice "tight" fit.
#20
Burning Brakes
I found myself in the same situation about 2 years ago and wound up getting a plug with a handy "no smoking" detail. Read about my adventures here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...o-smoking.html
(Thread also contains a bonus "plug size" discussion)
- Dave
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...o-smoking.html
(Thread also contains a bonus "plug size" discussion)
- Dave
Just kidding
#21
Seared
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
#22
Rennlist Member
I never even thought of that actually. The simple answer is that while I don't "partake," I still think C&C are funny as ****.
As for the plug, I don't want smoking (of any kind) in my car!
- Dave
#23
Three Wheelin'
any words of wisdom on how to tighten up the stock cigarette lighter port?
mine got loose on my Valentine and now is barely holding in my battery tender. since you've all poked around in this area thought it was a good crew to pose the question to
mine got loose on my Valentine and now is barely holding in my battery tender. since you've all poked around in this area thought it was a good crew to pose the question to
#24
Rennlist Member
Do you mean the plugs are loose in the port, or the port itself is loose in the dash?
If the plugs are loose, I have done either of the following:
1) modified the plug to fit the port. most of these type of plugs have a screw-off tip or some other means of spreading out one or both of the contact "wings" on the side of the plug to get more grip. For example, on my plug-in compressor, I'm able to screw off the tip, pull one of the wings out and re-screw the tip so that one wing is under the tip, and the other wing sits on top of it. Tough to describe without pictures, but hopefully you got the gist.
2) You can go to www.escortradar.com and buy an adapter sleeve which makes up the difference in the port sizes. I have one and use it with mixed success.
If the port itself is loose, I think it's a twist-lock, but not 100% sure.
- Dave
If the plugs are loose, I have done either of the following:
1) modified the plug to fit the port. most of these type of plugs have a screw-off tip or some other means of spreading out one or both of the contact "wings" on the side of the plug to get more grip. For example, on my plug-in compressor, I'm able to screw off the tip, pull one of the wings out and re-screw the tip so that one wing is under the tip, and the other wing sits on top of it. Tough to describe without pictures, but hopefully you got the gist.
2) You can go to www.escortradar.com and buy an adapter sleeve which makes up the difference in the port sizes. I have one and use it with mixed success.
If the port itself is loose, I think it's a twist-lock, but not 100% sure.
- Dave
#26
Three Wheelin'
< Do you mean the plugs are loose in the port, or the port itself is loose in the dash? >
The plugs are loose in the port. Used to be just the Valentine plug, now it's my trickle charger plug as well.
Rather than modify the plugs, is there any way to get the port itself back to "as new" condition? Anything I can tighten to do this? Perhaps buy a new port? Other? Perhaps I'm mildly delusional, but hoping that there's a quick and easy DIY fix for this.
The plugs are loose in the port. Used to be just the Valentine plug, now it's my trickle charger plug as well.
Rather than modify the plugs, is there any way to get the port itself back to "as new" condition? Anything I can tighten to do this? Perhaps buy a new port? Other? Perhaps I'm mildly delusional, but hoping that there's a quick and easy DIY fix for this.
#27
Rennlist Member
OK I get what you're saying now.
For me the "modify the plug" approach was easier and more straightforward than any modification to the port. Depending on the plug, the modifications aren't permanent (so you can switch the devices between cars). For example, on my V1 plug (before I hardwired it) I used a small screwdriver or a pair of pliers to pull the tip of one of the wings out from under the plastic housing, so that the wingtip sat on top of the plug rather than tucked in the hole. It's an easy enough change to reverse.
If you were bound and determined to try a quick fix on the port, I would think it might be difficult given that you're trying to expand/bend the tabs of the port and getting the right tool/leverage on it may be tricky. Plus, (if I remember correctly) the way the port is designed you can't get access to the tabs from the outside of the port, even if you removed it from the dash.
Another option is if you PM me your address, I can drop the new port that came with my "no smoking" lighter plug in the mail for you, maybe in exchange for a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
- Dave
For me the "modify the plug" approach was easier and more straightforward than any modification to the port. Depending on the plug, the modifications aren't permanent (so you can switch the devices between cars). For example, on my V1 plug (before I hardwired it) I used a small screwdriver or a pair of pliers to pull the tip of one of the wings out from under the plastic housing, so that the wingtip sat on top of the plug rather than tucked in the hole. It's an easy enough change to reverse.
If you were bound and determined to try a quick fix on the port, I would think it might be difficult given that you're trying to expand/bend the tabs of the port and getting the right tool/leverage on it may be tricky. Plus, (if I remember correctly) the way the port is designed you can't get access to the tabs from the outside of the port, even if you removed it from the dash.
Another option is if you PM me your address, I can drop the new port that came with my "no smoking" lighter plug in the mail for you, maybe in exchange for a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
- Dave
#28
Three Wheelin'
PM sent Thanks for the kind offer.
For anyone else who is watching or stumbles on this thread, I did find this possible solution elsewhere on RL:
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...read-on-2.html
#29
well, to my surprise I tried a charger cable for an old TREO W700 kit on craig's list and the darn thing fit right in and lit up. And it has enough "spring grip" in trh side electrodes that it does not fall out (at keast in the garage!) Now I need a plug for a DROID phone (or a converter from the TREO) to solder on and finish the deal--easily done!