Ash Tray Finish

[Joe C.]

What should the gloss level of an original, midyear ashtray be.
Is the inside brighter chrome than the outside, or vice versa?
Were 1963 ash trays unique?

[Chuck G.]

Re: Ash Tray Finish

I'd say the chrome is/was pretty much the same, Joe.

Looks like flash chrome to me, not triple plated.

They have the AAC logo stamped on them.

I know there are at least 2 styles used in 63. One has the "forked" tine to retain it, the other has a "solid" tine to retain it.

Don't know if this is an early/late deal or not. Lets see what others have to say.

Chuck

[Harry S.]

Re: Ash Tray Finish

Joe, April 20th 63 ashtray has a single tine.

The following is a revision I submitted for consideration about two years ago.

Ashtray

The ashtray is chromed metal with a single cigarette snuffer, It lifts out for cleaning and snaps back into place with slight resistance. The ashtray door has a brushed aluminum finish, similar to that of the console trim plate. A small chrome handle operates the door and should slide freely. Original handles are secured by peening over a stud on the back of the handle and not secured with a screw used by most console repair kits.

Please add the following paragraph to what is stated today.

The 1963 ashtray has two designs. The metal clip that is riveted to the ashtray, by two rivets, to secure it into the console space is 7/8 inches wide and one inch high. The second design, starting approximate VIN 19000, has a metal clip that is in the shape of a "U". The outside dimensions are also 7/8 inches by one inch.
The second design is used at the end of 1963 production through 1964 production. Both designs have the letters AAC stamped into the side opposite the clip.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Ash Tray Finish

Here's a pic of the 2 styles of ashtrays.

Chuck