center console

As part of my on-going project to replace the original TH350 in my '79 with a "BTO" TH2004R, I have to replace the shifter "detent" gate. Today I removed both seats (4 bolts each), both carpeted console side-panels (2 screws each), the rubber cover over the emergency brake housing, 6 5/16" screws that hold the console to several brackets, and 2 9/32" screws that hold the horizontal portion of console to the vertical portion (where the radio mounts).

So, after all that I can NOT figure out how to remove the cigarette lighter! There's an orange (power) wire clipped to the bottom and a black (ground?) wire which is clamped to a circular (brass?) fitting between the lighter and the console. How the heck to I unscrew or pop-out the lighter? I thought about snipping that black wire and then wiring in a butt connector, but I assume there must be another way!

That's it for now, but I'm sure I'll have more questions once I get this all apart! Thanks guys!

Ben
'79 midnight blue, work-in-progress

The outer sleeve of the lighter unscrews from the lighter body. It is the sleeve that is holding the ground ring in place.

Just stick one finger into the cigarette lighter, to hold it steady, and use your other hand to unscrew the outside of the lighter housing, under the console, it should unscrew without any problems.

That's the first time I've ever told anyone to stick their finger into a cigarette lighter socket, sounds kinda weird, doesn't it???

KINDA LIKE FRENCH KISSING A WALL SOCKET,

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Thanks for the laugh.