replate or replace?

[Mike G.]

my original lt-1 air cleaner lid is rusted. should i replate or replace? how good are the repops? this will be a judged car.

[Kent K.]

Re: replate or replace?

my original lt-1 air cleaner lid is rusted. should i replate or replace? how good are the repops? this will be a judged car.

There are some detectable differences between originals and reproductions although the hit for a repop may be minimal. If you have it rechromed, I believe there were past post regarding the silk screen instructions claiming Paragon had the most closely matching. I posted a picture of original silk screen instructions in the last three months. The roll of material at the center hole is different on repops.

[Mike M.]

Re: replate or replace?

Replate. Find out if it was flash chrome like the C2. Most C2 lids that are plated look to nice and lose points. Also C2 repo's don't have the correct lip. Not sure about C3

[Dick W.]

Re: replate or replace?

Mike, you are in a catch 22 situation. The best reproductions are very close in configration, but the chrome is too nice. It will be very hard to get a plater that will "flash" chrome, as they were done originally, your lid. Richard Fortier, who advertises in the Driveline is doing silk screening that is very close to the original

[Stephen B.]

Re: replate or replace?

I've found decent original lids at swap meets with some deterioration but still show worthy. Many lids I've found were zero deductions for originality minus one point for condition unless Dick Whittington judges. Then it'd be minus five for condition. lolol.

[Dennis K.]

Re: replate or replace?

As long as the surface is not rusted a flash chrome will work and give you the as original finish. Flash chrome will not "fix" the rust. Make that decision first on the condition of your lid. If it's pitted in any form you'll be better off looking for a repo or a better part to restore. I flash chrome a lot of parts and it gives you what you have to start with, no improvements in surface other than it will be shinny.

[Mike M.]

Re: replate or replace?

It's all about the details. Many of which get overlooked.
If you decide to replate be sure to remove the original underside silk screening.
We have seen several lids on the judging field where the silk screen was simply "Chromed-over" then re-applied in a different area showing the presence of the original to be very apparent. Results: deduction.
H. a. N. D.