Hello all,

I just got a metal ashtray insert for my non SS or SP 71, It fits perfect.
I have been looking for the insert for like 5 years now, along with the GMC grille emblem which I haven't found yet, but that's a whole nother story.

The ashtray is pretty rusty inside, short of taking a wire brush to it. What can I do to clean it up? Is there a chemical that can eat away rust and leave the metal intact? Thank you in advance for your input.

I've been pondering this next thought for the last few days. I know the 68 Elcamino SS was a stand alone model, but after 68 if the buyer wanted a SS, he would have the buy a custom and the dealer would make it an SS.

When I was going through my catalogs and magazines I could not find my ashtray insert for my Custom Sprint ONLY for SS models. Did the dealer change the Dash to make it an SS too??? Mine has the standard sweep.
What was the difference between the sweep and the round Dash? In terms of ashtrays and the like.

In my 5 years of going to car shows and showing my ride, I have yet to see a true SS Elcamino or Chevelle to see what the difference is in the entire dash.

Brian

I have a 71 El Camino with the sweep style dash my ash tray is only used to hold the drink holder i bought.

I will look and see if the insert can be removed and still hold my drink adapter if so i would be willing to part with it.

Thank you but you don't have to do that. I'm just glad I finally have the insert.

Brian

That's the first time I have heard that SS parts were dealer installed. If the RPO codes were on the build sheet, I would say the parts were put on at the factory. As for the ashtray, mine is rusted also, I use it as a little catch all. Fishing around for something in there sucks like it is. I plan on refinishing mine, I have some OSPHO here, I'll try some on it and let you know. Something that would probably work well is Rust Converter, sold in the parts chain stores. I have used it in the past with great results. It does not keep that well after its been opened so a bigger project might be needed to get your money's worth out of it.

The OSPHO did a great job on mine. I wish I had taken a before pic. It cleaned off all the surface rust, leaving a decent finish. I then added several coats of rattle can gloss black. Looks good.

Hey Canted,

With everything that I have read, AFTER 68 the only way you could get a SS was to buy a custom and the dealer would make it an SS. Whether you could get an SS with a speedo sweep or round I don't know. That's what I would like to know.

In 68 the elky came in a standard, custom or SS model from the factory.
I would give my uhh left arm, that's it, I would give my left arm for a real and true 68 SS.

As for my ashtray insert it is soaking in gasoline right now and in the am I will scrub it with a wire brush and see what happens.

Brian