I couldn't find any old threads on this topic so here's my question:

Anyone know for fact if factory ashtrays were painted black (as per repops) or were unpainted (natural metal)?

I don't see any evidence of paint on either of the ashtrays in my cars.

 

If you look at the inside of the ashtray door, it's black. I'd give you my best guess that they just painted them to match the dash colors. Since my car is black interior it obviously wouldn't need painting. I do have an ashtray cover and intermediate dash in the shed and it appears both have been painted saddle at the factory. There are still factory markings on the back of the intermediate dash that would substantiate this.

 

all my ashtrays looked like they where unpainted (I have 4 - three in the cars) but I have seen black.

 

they were never painted but there were silver and black ones.

 

How could they be silver or black if not painted?

 

I don't know the correct terminology but they were silver cad or black phosphate or parkerized.... Just not sure the proper term but it was not paint.

 

I don't think I've ever read this subject discussed before. Its intriguing, but I all ways thought they were dark gray...almost black. A lot like a phosphate or Parkeriezed finish. Never seen any other color, but I don't doubt it. Guess I need to pay more attention.

 

Now I understand. Thanks

 

I can't find it now but I even have one floating around here with one black rail and one white rail. Other than that one with a wrong color rail, I have never seen a black one with white rails or silver one with black rails.

 

Sorry, I was thinking ash tray door. My ashtray is also black. The rails that act as guides are plastic though.