for wiring in the new stereo to my 1979 olds cutlass. Can I run a wire off of the cigerette lighter for the constant battery power to the stereo? It is a 12 volt supply and is constant but I don't know if the voltage or amps might be to high for the stereo and since I don't have the book for that anymore I have no way of finding it out.
If you just want to replace the radio (or head unit), use an adapter harness for hook -up. Let us know what you are putting in so we can lead you in the right direction.
If you are planning to install an amp, speakers or anything else, let us know what you're overall plan is, and what equipment you have.
On a 79 cutlass, their may not be a consant pwer wire at the harness. In that case you could use the power wire for the cigarette lighter but you'ld be better to go to the fuse box. Or put in a fused line off the sterring column
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double-secret reverse-osmosis speaker-cone-induced high-level interference distortion, Its a killer
Your cigarette lighter is 12v running through a 15 amp fuse. This is good for constant power to your radio.
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Do it right the first time
Assuming you're not wiring new from the batt.
If you have an ATO/spade type fuse box, tap from there. Use an Add-A-Circuit to tap a new fused circuit.
Also:
New-er cars no longer have hot accs, they turn off at key-off (and on at ign-acc).
So you're probably right with your '79 having a constant-hot lighter.
Good luck.