Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Now calm down everyone.... In Britain that means "would you like a cigarette?"

Phew! now we've got that delicate matter out of the way, my question to you all is;

How does the cigarette lighter operate? I have the retractable pull-out type on my 745 but there seems no obvious switching arrangement.

I dont smoke and will never use it but would just like to know it works.

Thanks again.

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Not familiar with lighters used in the 7th series, is it cordless or corded? If cordless, it's no doubt a "cat's eye" type and you hold it in until the amber lens glows, indicating that the element is also glowing. If it's the corded type, never had occasion to ask or use one.

On my 34, the one with the larger head is the front (chromed), styled to match the starter button with which it's paired on the dash panel; the other set (German silver) is for the rear smoking sets.

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The retractable lighter in the 7th series is supposed to heat up automatically after the cord has been pulled out. Something on the recoil unit triggers the connection. They're easy to remove for inspection if it doesn't turn on for you upon pulling it out.

I'll advertise my ignorance. Didn't see a picture of the lighter but the accessory books do list a cover for it. A lighter on a cord that actually pulls out of the dash? With a cover and cord, does one infer the element faces you and is a two handed operation? How far will it reach and can a driver use it in a safe position or does he have to bend down toward the dash to reach the cord.

A picture would be worth a million words. If I were a smoker, this sounds like a part of the good old days needing more thought--of course, I guess it's no worse than the alternative of striking a match.

The 'Blue tip" wooden matches were most popular prior to WWII. They could be struck with ONE hand on most any surface. Even using just a thumb nail (not recommended or even a tooth).

I'm not sure I've ever seen the accessory cover. I usually just see the lighter element. It's mounted over on the right side of the dashboard, and the cord is usually long enough to stretch to the back seat area.

Cigar Lighter and Utility Light
An electric cigar or cigarette lighter, which heats automatically when it is pulled out. An added advantage is the utility light, which can be attached instantly. Complete with 12 feet of cord.

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Thanks, West. It doesn't look as cumbersome as I had imagined and the utility light is a nice touch.

Typical retractable lighter of the era....

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Is it supposed to have somekind of a porcelin ring type handle around the element end to keep from burning ones fingers????? That would be a rather long cord of 12 feet drawing tremendous amount of current. Anyone ever put an ammeter on one to test the current draw????

Also note the recoil tension adjuster near the bottom of the unit.