Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

[Kirk M.]

Just wondering about this 1967 327/300hp air cleaner base. Does it look original to you? There seems to be a depression missing in the area of the red circle that is present on the repros advertised in CC. Please let me know what you think or if you need any additional pics. Thanks.

Kirk

[Mike M.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

Yep, looks real.
HaND

[Kirk M.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

So, there should be no 3rd depression present in the spot marked by the red circle in pic #1? That is not present on a real 67 base? Thanks.

Kirk

[Kirk M.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

Anyone else have an opinion. Sure would like to know if that 3rd depression (red ring) is indicative of a repro versus original. Anyone else got pics? Thanks.

Kirk

[Kirk M.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

For example, compare this base to one advertised in Ebay item #170281641308. You will see the third depression I am talking about.

[Mike M.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

Hi Kirk. Re: Ebay ad.
The indent looks unusual.
By the sellers terminology, the parts are service replacements generic to accomodate '67-'70 Camaro, Chevelle and Corvette (and possibly other applications, all possibly accounting for the indent)
But, you have raised my curiosity. I have three original sets in storage, Early, Mid and Late production.
I am out of town to return Sunday. If no one has clarified the issue in the meantime, I will locate and photograph.
HaND
Great Holiday to all.

[Brian M.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

Kirk, here is a picture of the top side of my believed to be original base.

[Kirk M.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

Brian,

As your pic shows, your air cleaner base has the middle indent that is absent from mine. I have now spent hours pouring through books and this is what I think I have found. The air cleaner base that I have appears to be a 1966 base which appears without the indent we have been talking about. The main difference being that the breather tube hole used in my base (ie:for a 67) is different from that used on the 1966. So, is it possible some 1967's used the 1966 air cleaner base with the tube placed in the 1967 position? Since I cannot find anyone that repros the non-indented base like I have, I believe it is "original" to the mid 1960's. The question now may be whether it was ever used on the 1967 vette. It will be interesting to see whether Mike's "early" base appears different than his middle or late bases since I would presume if 1966 bases were used in 1967 cars, it would have been early in production. Anyone else out there seen one of these non-indented bases on their 1967, or maybe even their 1966 vette?

I also wonder whether that indent is necessary to clear some additional "equipment" present on larger horsepower engines than my base 327?

John Hinckley or any of the other "production experts", any ideas?

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Kirk McHugh

[Steven B.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

Brian,

As your pic shows, your air cleaner base has the middle indent that is absent from mine. I have now spent hours pouring through books and this is what I think I have found. The air cleaner base that I have appears to be a 1966 base which appears without the indent we have been talking about. The main difference being that the breather tube hole used in my base (ie:for a 67) is different from that used on the 1966. So, is it possible some 1967's used the 1966 air cleaner base with the tube placed in the 1967 position? Since I cannot find anyone that repros the non-indented base like I have, I believe it is "original" to the mid 1960's. The question now may be whether it was ever used on the 1967 vette. It will be interesting to see whether Mike's "early" base appears different than his middle or late bases since I would presume if 1966 bases were used in 1967 cars, it would have been early in production. Anyone else out there seen one of these non-indented bases on their 1967, or maybe even their 1966 vette?

I also wonder whether that indent is necessary to clear some additional "equipment" present on larger horsepower engines than my base 327?

John Hinckley or any of the other "production experts", any ideas?

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Kirk McHugh

Kirk, is your car a very early '67? That may explain a '66 base.

[Kirk M.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

April of 67, so I don't really consider that early. Was hoping for those early, middle and late base pics someone mentioned to make some comparisons.

[Brian M.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

BTW this base is on a 1st week of Jan build, car has A/C. Quote=Brian McHale (28809);381426]Kirk, here is a picture of the top side of my believed to be original base.[/quote]

[Bill C.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

Gentlemen,
It appears the base is from a 66 sb PRODUCTION car, starting in 1967, Chevrolet starting using Quadrajet carbs on some car models using this same base, the additional clearance "hump" is for linkage clearance on the quadrajet. I think it will be found on all 67 up cars and all service or repo bases from then on, hence, that base is a 65-66 small block AND big block production line base only (was service also until end of 66), the sb and BB difference being the location of the vent tube, I have seen a couple of different versions of the tube, basically same, just probably a different supplier. Does anyone know of a changeover date? Maybe the corvette base was kept separate in manufacture from other models? Soon I am sure this will wind up in the JM , it has never been reproduced. I think it would be possible to find one on any 67 car, probably earlier than late but who paid attention? Can anyone come up with a different part number from a GM parts manual? I have pics available of both sb and BB versions for 65 396 and all 327 and 427 1966 cars. Hoping someone can add to this or owners check their bases and post their findings?
Bill

[Kirk M.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

Gentlemen,
It appears the base is from a 66 sb PRODUCTION car, starting in 1967, Chevrolet starting using Quadrajet carbs on some car models using this same base, the additional clearance "hump" is for linkage clearance on the quadrajet. I think it will be found on all 67 up cars and all service or repo bases from then on, hence, that base is a 65-66 small block AND big block production line base only (was service also until end of 66), the sb and BB difference being the location of the vent tube, I have seen a couple of different versions of the tube, basically same, just probably a different supplier. Does anyone know of a changeover date? Maybe the corvette base was kept separate in manufacture from other models? Soon I am sure this will wind up in the JM , it has never been reproduced. I think it would be possible to find one on any 67 car, probably earlier than late but who paid attention? Can anyone come up with a different part number from a GM parts manual? I have pics available of both sb and BB versions for 65 396 and all 327 and 427 1966 cars. Hoping someone can add to this or owners check their bases and post their findings?
Bill

Bill,

After scouring numerous books and looking at lots of pictures, I came to the same conclusion - that the base I have pictured that is missing the "hump" was from 1966. I saw several photos of the same base WITHOUT the hump on 66 cars. Hence, I sent it back since I believe that it would not be appropriate for my April 18th 1967 327/300hp corvette. Was I right??

[Joe R.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

Just wondering about this 1967 327/300hp air cleaner base. Does it look original to you? There seems to be a depression missing in the area of the red circle that is present on the repros advertised in CC. Please let me know what you think or if you need any additional pics. Thanks.

Kirk

Hi Kirk:

The base on my 67 327/300, S/N 15586, looks just like the one in Brian McHale's photo. In other words, it has the third depression in the location indicated in your photo.

I'll be interested to hear what you learn about this difference and whether both styles were used on 1967 Corvettes.

[Bill C.]

Re: Is This 67 Air Cleaner Base Original?

Hi,
Yes, I think you were. The current repo bases available would be fine for your car as far as for configuration, as for the minute details between current new and older original 67's and all service ones, a knowledgeable judge can tell. You should have no problems finding a base, I suspect plenty will become available soon from 66 owners that have the later one after the "secret" is out. If you still have access to the one you sent back and it was reasonably priced, let me know where it is! Or get it back for yourself, I suspect a good investment. In fact, I can look at the warehouse I probably have a 67. Send me your email address.
Good Luck!