Hi,

I just bought a new ashtray door and have the springs from the old door. Can someone tell me how to place the springs on the door?

Does the round edge face in against the ashtray door or out to slide against the wall of the housing?

Thanks in advance

 

The round edge face is to the outside of the ash tray door. It provides the tension to the door frame.

 

I'm going to replace these on my 72 Cutlass and was wondering the same thing...so does the "outside bend" face towards the dash or towards the sides of the ashtray door?

Thanks,
Dave

 

The bend faces outwards towards the dash - if you install them backwards, the sharp edges of the little springs will catch on the sides of the dash opening and the door won't operate. The smooth bend is what the door slides on.

 

Aha...that makes sense.thanks...btw I scored a set of NOS springs on ebay for 10 bucks😀

 

I'm assuming the "pins" on the door go through the holes in the springs? And also, if the spring is straight and the door is curved, how do you not see the spring when the door is "closed"?

 

Yes, that's correct. The compression of the springs into the narrow gap makes sure you won't see them - and the pressure keeps the door where you put it. I actually tried to get a picture of the spring installed to post here, but you really can't see them at all once installed.

 

So then how wide are the springs? They must be super skinny... just trying to get a visual.

 

 

Hate to tell you this, but if you'd looked at some of the aftermarket suppliers like Fusick you could have scored them for $2.00 each
72-3717 Ash Tray Door Spring (uses two) 1970-72 2.00 ea.

 

Yup...I gave them a look...but 12 bucks shipping was too much for me...

 

Some of the guys on this site part out cars and would have those OEM ones. I doubt they would charge much for shipping. The Parts Wanted section of this site can be rewarding. Did you get the ones you bought shipped for free?

 

Yessir😀