How do you tell an original 1957 corvette fuel injection air cleaner from a repo

[John S.]

Hoe do you tell an original 1957 corvette fuel injection air cleaner from a reproduction one?

[Mike E.]

Re: How do you tell an original 1957 corvette fuel injection air cleaner from a repo

The primary difference I have seen is in the screen and fabric material on the underside of the lid.

[Bruce B.]

Re: How do you tell an original 1957 corvette fuel injection air cleaner from a repo

There is also a small tab protruding from the major diameter of the air cleaner body.
I will try and post a pic later today.

[Todd H.]

Re: How do you tell an original 1957 corvette fuel injection air cleaner from a repo

John, my '57 579C has what I am certain is the original air cleaner lid and body.

This would seem to be the screen and fabric material that Mike referred to:



Honestly I didn't even know it was there. Mike's post made me want to check.

And this would seem to be the tab that Bruce referred to:



Hope this helps.

[Bruce B.]

Re: How do you tell an original 1957 corvette fuel injection air cleaner from a repo

Todd,
That is the "tab" I refereed to.
The screen and insulation is correct and the screen is spot welded to the lid.
Bruce B

[John D.]

Re: How do you tell an original 1957 corvette fuel injection air cleaner from a repo

I had as NOS '57 air cleaner at one time.
Look on the chrome side of the lid. The spot welds would show and dull out the chrome. The insulation was some what like Todds. But on his behalf his is aged. The insulation was a perfect square. Straight lines. Not Todds color as his is stained from 50 plus years. Nice pics Todd.
The two plugs though on the two unused tubes are incorrect.
The plugs are called "Cap Plugs". Reddish and in side the plug there is number and letter. Help me out here as I forgot. Is it 3X?,

There are two repro '57 air cleaners. Same manufacturer. One has the tab and the other is not. The one with the tab is decent.
Tip If you have an original air cleaner with the tab and take it to the platers look out friends. Good bye original looking tab. Been there.
Happy New Year. John
P.S. If you can't locate or afford the expensive Blue 56C AC element then don't loose any sleep over it. Use your Judging Reference manual to save you many 1000's. Just use the Service replacement AC elements. I think you loose 50%. Look at the judging sheets. Very minor deduct.
Paul Mazut makes the long studs for the '57 Air cleaners. Two lengths I believe. The shorter stud is for the auto store or the AC176 elements. The longer one is for the A156C.
Last comment. If I had a '57 fuel car and was showing it or driving it I would put a NOS BLACK 56C on it. Super element and identical to the blue one except rubber color. Then you can park you car safely. Oops. Should not go there.