Good modified function for 'Lighter' position

[BamaNomad]

I'm beginning to put my dash together, and today was thinking about the 'LIGHTER' ... which I would never use, so I began wondering (trying to recall if anyone had ever proposed a new function for that location). I'd like to retain the original look, but substitute the plug out lighter for something more modern/better. Does anyone have any ideas or are willing to share what they did?

Thanks in advance ...

[WagonCrazy]

keyless ignition?
nitrous switch?
USB plug?
giant check engine light that glows red.

[Tabasco]

I put the 4-way flasher switch in the hole where the lighter was on my wife's '56.

[BamaNomad]

I like the idea of a USB port for charging phones, etc. Do any of you know of available parts that would enable this? I'd also like to 'hide' whatever I do behind the original knob/bezel/etc... so it appears original.

The 4-way flasher switch is also a good idea which could prevent an accident with your car if you were pulled over on the side of the road, especially at night...

[busterwivell]

My Ididit tilt column has the flasher on it. My friend did the USB port in his lighter position in his 72 Chevelle. I'll check with him and see if he remembers where he got it.

[BamaNomad]

Thanks Bill.. let me know what you find out. I also have an Ididit tilt column (hasn't been permanently installed as yet), so it probably has the 4-way flasher as well...

Of course, retaining the functional lighter is possible allowing quick plug-in modification to a 4-port USB by removing the light and plugging in a device such as this:

https://www.lightinthebox.com/en/p/car-charger-adapter-4-ports-usb-fast-car-charger-48w-qc3-0-quick-car-phone-charger-with-led-light-display-compatible-with-iphone-12-pro-max-11-pro-xs-_p8922930.html?prm=1.3.0.7

[busterwivell]

I sent him an e-mail. I'll let you know, Gary,
I have an adapter for my lighter to plug in USB stuff. That way, when I'm not driving or using it, the lighter is there, and just looks right to me.
Of course, If I ever got off my duff and learned more about computers, smart phones, blue tooth and such, I might need more than one outlet. Funny, spent the money to buy a good radio for the car, and after over 3 years on the road, I don't know how to use that stuff and just have it set to an AM station for talk radio.

[markm]

On my 55&56 I put a charger port under dash because the LIghter position was awkward to have cord hanging from.

[markm]

keyless ignition?
nitrous switch?
USB plug?
giant check engine light that glows red.

How about one of those big red lights the dirt trackers use for oil pressure warning.

[Rocketman]

I had a friend that came up with a novel use. He hooked the coil wire to a detent switch mounted on the back of the lighter. When you pushed the lighter in it disconnected the power to the coil. A thief would never in a million years figure this one out. I think he put a wooden plug in place of the lighter element. Pretty slick I thought.

[busterwivell]

Gary, my friend says he got it on Amazon. If you can't find it let me know and I'll get more details for you.

[BamaNomad]

I had a friend that came up with a novel use. He hooked the coil wire to a detent switch mounted on the back of the lighter. When you pushed the lighter in it disconnected the power to the coil. A thief would never in a million years figure this one out. I think he put a wooden plug in place of the lighter element. Pretty slick I thought.

That was a 'slick', novel and functional use of the lighter! and 'might' save one's car from being stolen!

[Histoy56]

Our '56 has an aftermarket steering column that uses a center push button for the horn. Our car has an original looking (smaller diameter) steering wheel that uses the factory type horn assembly, so we had no horn. I removed the lighter and installed a switch attached to the original lighter button to activate the horns. We now have a horn, but looking inside at the dash, you think that it still has the lighter.

[Old Buzzard]

No need for a switch add-on on the lighter.
Solder a wire to the outer case and use the original connector pin.
The ground side of a relay, [everyone uses a relay, right?], connects thru these 2 wires.
Push the lighter in, the circuit is made, just like it would originally. The start circuit is now complete.
Start the engine.
You can leave it pushed in or pull it back.
When you leave, take the lighter with you.