1963 Ashtray Restoration

[Gerald C.]

I have an original AAC ashtray that has some rust in the inside bottom. Any thoughts on how I get this rust out and the finish I should put in for judging purposes?

Thanks

Jerry

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Ashtray Restoration

What ashtray do you have? The one on the left or the right. What month was your car built?

[Gerald C.]

Re: 1963 Ashtray Restoration

The one on the left. My car was built 10/31/62. Just bought it on eBay and it's on its way to me

Thanks

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Ashtray Restoration

That's a good style for your build date.

Try Naval Jelly on the rust. Since there is rust the flash chrome is gone. Best I can tell from a small survey both style ash trays were used in 63. The single tang was probably from the first supplier and was used at initial production with some of the double tang mixed in. The double tang was much easier to remove to empty the ash tray and at the end of 63 production only the double tang was installed. The single tang was eliminated.

[Rick A.]

Re: 1963 Ashtray Restoration

agree with HArry

[Gerald C.]

Re: 1963 Ashtray Restoration

Thanks Harry

[Alan D.]

Re: 1963 Ashtray Restoration

I would also try safest rust (ultraoneusa.com) or Evapo-Rust (com) also see orisonllc.com or orisonmarketing.com
both of these have a 6ph or better and stop working at ph=7.0
These leave even paint marks alone. Just another option.

[Michael M.]

Re: 1963 Ashtray Restoration

Why don't you just get the ash tray flash chromed?

[Michael J.]

Re: 1963 Ashtray Restoration

How much rust does it have? You want to make sure you don't remove the chrome finish. Sometimes it is just best to take a point deduct for the rust.

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 Ashtray Restoration

My car was built a couple of days before yours. The ashtray was similarly rusted and there are no correct new or used ones to be found.

I tried everything, rust solvent and lots of other stuff, to try to rescue it, all to no avail, the rust was too deep. Finally, I sanded down the corrosion as smooth as I could get it and painted the bottom with about ten (or more) coats of chromium paint. It looks almost perfect now. (if you stick your face down in it, you might see the paint line. )

Fortunately, I don't smoke, 'cause I'm pretty sure a lit cigarette might set all that paint on fire

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Ashtray Restoration

Late December 62 Car. I have the one on the left also. Single style spring.