The often misunderstood 1963 Cadillac right front ashtray

[Kurt]

I did a little tutorial on the 63 right front ashtray.I saw in Jason's latest video where he mentions this as a bad design. From my experience, it's not a bad mechanical design but rather it's not an intuitive, no-brainer design and there are no instructions in the owner's manual on how to close it properly. I hope this helps anyone who has problems closing that ashtray.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/y4hRjBpTR6eGsHjK9

[Russ Austin]

Excellent vid. They had to dumb the ash tray down in 64.   BTW, love the T.A.

[Kurt]

Thanks Russ. I love the TA too. I drove a 79 TA that I bought from my older brother when I was in high school. Had it for 13 years. Good times! It's my 2nd favorite car but it's a close race ; )

[Ian Osborne]

I was just out driving my '63 and when I was stopped at a red light I happened to look over it and think about all the people who have opened it but not been able to close it. Most of the time, I'd tell them "Don't worry about it. I'll get it later"

[Jason Edge]

Fantastic Video! I Just added this to our Help Page under Ashtrays...

[Kurt]

Thanks Jason. By the way, it occurred to me that although I have heard that the design was changed in 64, I have never opened a 64 right front astray. How does it open & close? 

[Jason Edge]

It's a simple S spring design. There is no "latching". See below. Not sure if you have seen all the Serviceman Bulletins devoted to the 63 ash tray regarding adjustments, and replacement parts. There were at least 3. I will have to find and post here sometime.

[Kurt]

Do you pull it open? If so, what do you grip?

[Jason Edge]

Push in at bottom to flip open, push in at top to close. Spring keeps enough tension to keep it in position either open or closed.  

[Kurt]

I just found this video of a 63 limo that was for sale. This guy could have benefited from my ashtray tutorial LOL. This is the typical 1st-timers experience with the 63 right front ashtray. The video will start at the good part.

https://youtu.be/13vLyedEVsQ?t=226

[Jason Edge]

Yep, he was fighting it!