Ash Trays

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

Guys:

This may be another stupid question from a newbie but here goes anyways.  I positively dislike nasty ash trays and although the previous owner did not smoke for 20 years the ashtrays have obviously been used.  Can I just take them out, mask them off and blast them or do I need to paint them as well?  If I need to paint them can someone recommend the correct paint to use?

Thanks

Mark

[hotrod68]

If you really want to get crazy, buy a zinc-plating kit from Eastwood and plate it! The zinc will give a factory look on the tray itself and on the frame, and of course you can paint the outside to match your dash. You have have the whole thing absolutely clean before you try plating it. I wash my parts with Auto Zone carburetor cleaner and let them air dry, then in the acid they go. The Eastwood kits are fantastic--you can replate nuts, washers, screws--anything that came zinc from the factory--make them look brand new, save money and keep your original parts! On my '68 I've done the tie rod sleeves, suspension nuts and washers, brake components--etc. People are amazed when I tell them they're the factory parts. Just a thought. Good luck!

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

Hot:

Thanks for pointing me in that direction.  I will look into the plating kit.

Mark

[ogbean]

Ok im interested in doing this as well... i have 3 used ashtrays ive got put back im my stash.. i need to restor one for my 68 problem is i cant just repaint it..its a wodgrain one.. am i going to have to send it out? and if so should i send the wodgrain dash panel as well to make sure they both match perfectly?

[hotrod68]

The woodgrain was, after all, a decal. I have no idea if anyone makes a decal kit to refurbish the ashtrays...good point! Maybe someone on this site knows. You can buy woodgrain contact paper decals in sheets and make the templates yourself so it all matches I guess. Either way, the ashtray would have to be completely stripped to bare metal for the plating to take--the acid solution would destroy any existing decal. Hope this helps and good luck!