Ash tray dismantling

[PhilC]

Has anyone successfully removed the plastic panel from the tray without ruining it?

I tried gently prising it over the edge of the metal but it didn’t seem to want to go.

[Mike Self]

Can you show the front of the ashtray?  Presume this is one from the rear quarter panel upholster cards, and is from a squarelight, as it doesn't look like the back side of a roundie ashtray.   Those have a chrome-plated metal surround and matching upholstery in the center and are easily dismantled.  

 

Have you tried letting it soak in really hot water for a few minutes to soften the plastic, then gently prying along that upper ridge?

 

mike

[PhilC]

Thanks Mike, hot water is a good idea, shame you weren’t a bit quicker 😉 I got it apart. Got a bit more brave with the prying and it came apart.

You are right it is a square light ashtray. I wanted to cover the front to match the panel but having done that I realised I didn’t really need to take it apart to do it. 
Out of interest are the earlier ashtrays the same size and fitment as I would like the chrome surround.

[PhilC]

Covered. Not a perfect job but it’s first attempt and I have three others to improve on.

I shall be painting the surround chrome to match the rest of the door card.

[Pdxguy]

Looks great!