** On  Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:45:11 Chris S <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM> writes: **

>> Here's a good read which also explains the mystery behind removing
>> these wonders:
>> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=151026

Also thanks John Meeks for the BTDT link.. duh!  I also forgot
about that one as well.

Thanks for the link/s.. I read the whole thread.. yes what a PITA!

Dremel, and slice through that green plastic, git er done in no time! :-)
so much for German Engineering in da House!  ;-)   BAH!

The socket GoWesty sells has a lighted orange ring FWIW.  I agree,
the eurovan ones are more 'sexy'

 -tim

ps:  Here is my modified version of TJ's instructions.. note
the first line :-)

Lighter Removal 101
From: Timothy J. Hannink
Model/Type:  Vanagon

****DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FIRST!!!***

OK, I couldn't remember how exactly I got my lighter out, so I went
out to the Turtle and removed it, just to make sure I really had done it before.

Unplug the electrical connection from the back of the lighter. You
can remove the glove box for visual support, but watch your head
on the hinge bracket when you try to look back there.

Remove the lighter itself from the socket.

Look inside the socket. You will see a set of parallel slots about 1/16"
wide and 3/8" long with a rectangular slot behind it about 3/16" wide
by 1/8" long. There should be two sets of these slots, opposite each
other inside the socket.

In the rear rectangular slot, there should be a green plastic tab
filling the slot.

Take a small regular screwdriver, put it between the green plastic and the
rear part of the rectangular slot, and bend the metal on the rear of the slot
upward (toward the center of the socket) slightly.

Stick your finger inside the socket and pull forward, it should come right out.

90 syncro westy (now with usable in dash 12v cig lighter/receptacle!)
gilbert, az
http://www.timschneider.org