Split Dash Ashtray Problem

[von split]

I have 3 split dash ashtrays and 3 dash mounting receptacles for my Sept.1951 (long, ugly story short).  All parts are original VW and are all period correct. As it turns out, none of the ashtrays fit any of the receptacles. All of the ashtrays seem to be a little too big in diameter. I've tried every ashtray in every receptacle, and they just don't fit. Has anyone had the same experience? Am I missing something? I looked through the forum, the gallery and the ads looking for a clue.  I know VW had supply issues back then, but a simple ashtray? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Mr. OGPaint]

You probably did try this, but I wanted to check that you rotated the ashtray so the slot on the bottom indexes with the raised bump on the recepticle. The are designed so the ashtray cannot be removed without twisting it just before it comes out of the dash, the opposite for installation.
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Patrick Hall

[von split]

Yes, I did try that. The raised bump is toward the back of the receptacle. The ashtrays won't go it at all. They are just a little too big. I can't even get them started. Thanks.

[Suboval]

You might have 356 Pre A Porsche ash trays. They are a larger diameter.
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It all works on paper.

There's two things we learn from history:
1.) History repeats itself.
2.) We don't learn from history.

[von split]

Thanks for your input. I'm not a Porsche guy, but I'll certainly look into it.

[Splitdog]

Had 'em rechromed?
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CH³NO²

Z = z² + C

Der Blitzkrieg Kafers

#notacallooker

[von split]

None of them have been rechromed. They all have ware on them, so they have been used. I am surprised that no one has had a similar problem.

[René R.]

It's been a while since I've owned a split but I'm thinking that it's possible that the part that mounts in the dash is made of pot metal. I vaguely remember it having a grayish color that looked very different from steel.

In any event, if either part is pot metal it could have swelled over the years -- a very common problem with this often poorly-made alloy. You may just have to do some filing.
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Gone but not forgotten: 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1966) - another 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1996)

[von split]

The receptacles are made of aluminum.

[52HoffmanSplit]

[lovethatconvertible]

This is getting interesting, never knew that about pot metal. I knew it was crappy, even in the '60's I thought pot metal was poor from handling different thing's made from it. a lot of stuff from Japan and other small trinkets.
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1960 Convertible

[René R.]

[von split]

Thanks for all your help guys. I have some sorting out to do. I had no idea they were originally pot metal.

A. I can keep looking for a nice set.

B. I can work the ones I have and hope for the best.

I guess I'll try both and see what happens.