I don't think that would blow the sale of your 87 Westy.
I've bought those ashtrays for $1.00 thrown in with a hand full of other
used parts from a wrecking yard.
If it really threatens the sale I'll just bet Chris can come up with a
decent one in black or brown to help you complete your sale.

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Wyand" <miatapaul@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2005 10:38 AM
Subject: Re: Discolored Dash Board (ashtray)

Date: Sat, 8 Oct 2005 17:34:59 EDT
From: James Benthall <Taobythesea@AOL.COM>
Subject: Discolored Dash Board (ashtray)

Well guys, I sure goofed this one up. As some of you know I am trying
to sell my 87 Westy on Ebay. I have been cleaning for a week and have
it in nearly immaculate conditions. Well I decided to clean the ashtray
since I unfortunately have been smoking lately. I pulled it out and for
some reason(!) decided to fill it with water and dish washing liquid (of
course, hoping to get any smoky smell out). After letting it sit for
maybe 15 minutes I return and scrubbed it down with a toothbrush
and when I was drying it I found to my horror that the outer rim of the
ashtray had turned color! Sort of a dim yellow now!! This really pisses
me off since I was very proud of how clean my dashboard is (was). I've
Armer-All-ed it and it still is a yellow color. Really sucks against my
beautiful black dash ;-(
Anyway, just wanted to warn ya'll and ask if anyone has any ideas of
how to rectify this screw-up? Thanks.
James in Houston

 I have done this a few times and a good protect ant will fix it up. It may
take a few tries. I think it is actually caused by old protect ant that is
mixed with soap and water. My favorite product is 303 it works wonders and
does not contain any silicone. Much better than Armor All, That stuff I
would never use, not even on my X wife's car!

Here is a link to 303's page to find retailers via zip code. There list is
not complete, as my dealer is not on there. Performance Products has a good
price on a gallon.

http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=retailersearch

I have no interest in the company other than happy customer. It may take a
few coats but should bring it back to black. You can also find it at a lot
of better boat supply places.