Well i guess im lucky. I last drove my car about 3 days ago after changing the spark plugs, still running like crap, and no power brakes! Raised the hood and the check valve to the power booster is broke in half. Maybe if its been cracked for a while that would explain why its not been running as it should. So today i went to raise the hood and saw gray heavy smoke residue on my dash pad through the windshield. I get in the car and it smells like its been on fire. IT HAD BEEN ON FIRE! My dash is melted aroung the lighter, which does not get used ever, i dont smoke. But it looks like the typical melting that i have seen on other same dashes from the lighter melting the dash. The strange thing is the fuse is not blown, there is still power to the lighter housing/socket. The lighter element looks new, because it is, never been used, but it sure looks like there must have been a flame in there!
Is it possible current had come through the ground strap around the lighter somehow and caused this problem? I guess im lucky the car did not catch on fire and burn down. My 65 Vette is right next to it, and my wifes car is next to that. This really bums me out, so looks like ill be removing my dash. I have alot of work in this dash, i sent it for new chrome several years ago during my build, it was almost perfect, now its not.
Does anyone have a good dash core for the gauges/ they are different from the non gauge/ idiot light housings. Ill have to check to see im my insurance will pay for this.
Damn the luck!
Steve

 

Wouldn't a "Parts Wanted" ad help ?

 

Yes it would help, thanks.
I placed an ad in parts wanted.

 

Someone may have inadvertently bumped the lighter in and it didn't release. PM Ron Roth, link below.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...s/rroth01.html

 

Well if that happened, I would be that someone. I sure dont remember bumping it, especially enough to push it in, but i guess anything is possible.
Thanks for the link Eric.
Steve

 

To prevent future accidents, disconnect the wire to the lighter.

 

I always disconnect the negative battery cable. I always have two fire extinguishers in the car. So far, (knocking on my head) I've never had a problem. I always keep the actual lighter in the ashtray so nobody uses it before I say no. I think I'll disconnect my lighters. Lots of "cigar" lighters in the big "Girls."

 

Wow! Maybe the socket itself sort of shorted? I know the lighter fuse is pretty big because lighters do take a lot of amps to heat up red hot. That's pretty scary. Good thing you caught it .

 

I know it's heartbreaking but sounds like it could have been much, much worse. I don't remember everything on the lighter fused circuit but I would suggest putting a much lower fuse in it like a 5 amp if you use it to charge a phone. I actually haven't thought about doing this but will now after reading your story. Sorry it happened and good luck with your fix!

 

That's a good idea....