Re: Help with Heat Riser spring direction

Posted by Joe Santana On 2012/3/13 9:51:58

Ooops. I had to remove the old knob from the old cigar lighter heating element. (Hold the inner element on the end ...I used 3 needle files wedged in there to hold it as seen in photo because I couldn't grip it with pliers...and unscrew it.) Then screw it in to a New heating element. The old heating element is too big a diameter to fit in the new holder.

But the new element I bought is a pop-out and doesn't work with the new holder I bought earlier. But as mentioned, this is a good idea. I heard about some kids who were getting into cars, heating up the cigar lighter, and branding the upholstery. In over 50 years of owning the Duchess, half of that daily driving, I had the following:
1967 - Obscenity keyed into my trunk lid after a (thankfully) cheap paint job.
1972 - Rear window cut out and stolen in broad daylight, 10 am, on street next to office.
1978 - Whacked Goddess of Speed 90 degrees at the convention center by attendees of an afternoon rock concert that let out while I was setting up a multimedia show.
1983 - Original locking Script gas tank cap twisted off in waterfront parking lot downtown Portland. (You know if I ever see it on a Portland car I'll be asking questions. The script replacement I bought for $125 is short on quality.)
BUT for having the car out all the time in those days, it's not that bad. The same kinds of things happen to any car ... just ask any Mercedes Benz or Jag owner.

Far and away, people are very respectful of the car. I find it well worth it to take the risk. The Duchess makes me smile.