1981 Air cleaner/filter

[Joseph G.]

Does anyone have or know where i can purchase an original/correct air filter for my 81? Thanks

[Edward J.]

Re: 1981 Air cleaner/filter

Joe, you may find something on Ebay, NOS or used. generally finding something like a NOS piece that has long been discontinued is not cheap. there are quite a revisions of the air filter so make sure to do your homework. things like the filter wire mesh and screen printing can be different.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1981 Air cleaner/filter

Does anyone have or know where i can purchase an original/correct air filter for my 81? Thanks

Joseph-------


If you are referring to the air filter ELEMENT, you're looking for an AC A348C, aka GM #6484235. However, this element changed in certain ways over the years. The most visible change was the outer metal screen. Early versions of the filter used a soldered, square mesh screen. Later, including current, use an expanded metal, "diamond" mesh screen. I do not know what style that 1981 originally used. I know that the square pattern was used at least through 1978. In any event, your NCRS 1981 Judging Guide ought to have this information.

You should be able to find either type on eBay. However, if your 1981 originally used the square mesh and you want to maintain that degree of originality, you'll probably have to pay dearly. If your 1981 originally used the "diamond" screen, those can be obtained rather inexpensively on eBay and elsewhere. There may be other nuances of difference between 1981 elements and later but I don't know what they are.

Caution: while the A348C filter is still available from GM and Delco, I've noted that many current GM and Delco air filter elements use an ORANGE colored plastic on the sealing surfaces of the filters (now I wonder if Fram is making these for GM????). You definitely don't want one of those.

[Joseph G.]

Re: 1981 Air cleaner/filter

Thank you Joe for your quick and informative reply.

[Joseph G.]

Re: 1981 Air cleaner/filter

Thank you Ed.