Replacement for Rear Ashtray: Thoughts?

msinabottle

Today I was pulling out Winston's interior rear panels, with the intention of de-shelf-papering them, and painting them, as I've done for his headliner, rear shelf, and rear panel. While looking at the last one--the one next to the sliding door--I pulled out the ash tray, the metal framing plate fell to the bottom of the van, and two chunks came out of the plywood.

It's all fixable--but I don't really see the point of reinstalling a 28 year old piece of plastic designed for something I have never done and don't want anyone ever to do in my van! I browsed and searched around for a bit. I already have 2 12v/USB outlets right below where the ashtray was. Has anyone found something that could fit in that space, or a little bigger space, and hold something like glasses, pens, perhaps cables or adapters? What might such 'panel compartments' be called?

I've looked in vain--does anyone else have an idea for something I could install in the place of the old interior ashtray in the passenger's side rear panel?

Shocked

Best!
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Timwhy · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 12:30 am Post subject:

Maybe drop change down the hole and use that side of the van as a piggy-bank. It may even
cure any Westy lean that you have?

A no smoking sign on the ashtray may help keep someone from lighting up?
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westfailed · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:46 am Post subject:

the ash tray was a good place to put -gum wrappers,glasses/ wristwatch while you sleep, condoms, etc.

danfromsyr · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:04 am Post subject:

in Mom's van that's where I put the heat outlet for the Espar (propex even) heater.

I have a thought to make small velour lined boxes into the pass side back panels to allow acces to the open cavities back there, a place to put my phone and glasses while I sleep. just a thought.. if your clever enough.. I never seem to be able to find the time for my ideas..

there's a T in the heat duct and a 2nd heat outlet by the floor in event this one gets blocked.. but when it's free flowing it's about a 60/40 output between the 2 outlets.. very comfy for a back seat warm up.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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snowesty · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:50 am Post subject:

I covered the ashtray with one of the fold down cup holders. Much more used..
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ragnarhairybreeks · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:59 am Post subject:

when I installed a rear heater in my '82 westy, instead of running the wires up to the dash for the heater fan control I installed the switch onto a small plate that I then installed into the ashtray. Allowed the rear passenger to control their own heat.

alistair
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wildenbeast · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 10:09 am Post subject:

I plan to someday make the ashtrays into some cool lights using 3-form panel. I have used it for a bathroom project and was happy with the results.

Nice mood or night lighting for guests who don't know their way around;
http://billwildenberg.shutterfly.com/9022

This is before I finished the beetle kill pine cabinets;
http://billwildenberg.shutterfly.com/9022#9023

You can get 3-form panel in smaller pieces from the "reclaim" section of their website; http://www.3-form.com/order-reclaim.php
_________________
- Bill, '93 Eurovan Syncro Weekender (2.5 manual ACU)

danfromsyr · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 10:36 am Post subject:

ok I knew I'd seen some great 12v outlet ideas here before..
so a little searchign returned.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=375042

and this gem of a thread
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=296775
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randywebb · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:08 am Post subject:

map pocket - I talked to Sewfine about this and they are willing to make a new panel with one built in.

or DIY
_________________
1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

r39o · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:20 am Post subject:

FYI: Some vans have issues when you fold down the rear seat with stuff sticking out too far.

We stick small Teddy Bears in our cup holders and they must be removed and the cup holders closed before we move the seat.

I like the idea of something more useful in the ciggy ash holders....just what, I do not know yet!
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bosruten · Samba Member Joined: February 11, 2011 Posts: 549

madspaniard · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 3:20 pm Post subject:

Zeitgeist 13 · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 3:32 pm Post subject: The seeds of mutiny are sown...

70coupyel · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:01 pm Post subject:

Was there not a post of some guy putting a 12v socket inside of this stock ash tray?
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Leavin to Live · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:58 pm Post subject:

A BEER TRAY!!!! Cool


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