1959 Console Ashtray

[Studearch]

I just removed my console to install new carpet. There is an electrical lead going to some sort of bulb device in the forward ashtray. There is a small perforated disc in the ashtray next to the device. Anybody know what this is? It does not appear to be a light. Thanks, Jack, Albuquerque

[Tbird1044]

It is a light. Back in the day when people smoked, ash trays were a necessity. The bulb is clipped to the side of the ash tray where there is a small hole to illuminate the ash tray at night. The bulb is connected to the circuit for your dash lights. There should also be a light for the rear ash tray.
Nyles

[Studearch]

Ashtray light

Thanks for the info. I tried to find it on a wiring diagram with no luck. I assume it is dimmable like the dash lights too, correct?

[Tbird1044]

I can't swear to it, but I think it is a blue wire running to the ash tray lights which would mean it is connected to the dimmer circuit.
Nyles

[Dakota Boy]

lighted ash tray. The height of luxury in 1959

[Deanj]

It is a light. Back in the day when people smoked, ash trays were a necessity. The bulb is clipped to the side of the ash tray where there is a small hole to illuminate the ash tray at night. The bulb is connected to the circuit for your dash lights. There should also be a light for the rear ash tray.
Nyles

Looks like a green wire and a ground. This post made me take the front and rear ash tray assemblies out just now.

I have a light for the front, but there are no wires leading to the back ash tray. The light is clipped to the inner rear wall retainer. Had it come apart easily, I would have messed with the bulb and maybe replaced it for giggles.

BYTW, I stopped smoking over 10 years ago, but the damage was done. Infarction with 3 main coronary arteries blocked at 99, 99, and 95%. Triple bypass followed. A second chance!

Dean