Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

[Chris E.]

So, I'm wondering which air cleaner cover you think would judge better. I went to the Wisconsin Regionals, and a theme that I heard was this. Judges like to see ORIGINAL parts, even though they might be not 100% from a condition standpoint. They prefer that, instead of seeing reproduction parts.

So, with that in mind, I cleaned up my original air cleaner cover as best I could. Here's a picture.

Keep in mind that the air cleaner assembly is 20 originality points and 20 condition. How would you judge this?



Would I be better putting on the reproduction that I have?

Thoughts?

[Mark W.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

My take is if you are going for maximum points, go with the original. My reasoning is you will get 20 pts for originality and some (not sure how many) points for condition. With the reproduction, you will lose all 20 originality points and only get up to 20 for condition, so I think you will end up with more points with the original. I could be all wrong and hopefully some experienced judges will give you some better info.

[Terry M.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

If one loses ALL originality points, one also loses ALL condition points. In NCRS Judging one has to score 10% of the originality points to have the condition assessed.

That said, how bad can the reproduction be that it would lose ALL originality points? -- that just doesn't sound right.

[Tom H.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

The ultimate solution to this situation is to locate a nice original lid somewhere !!

Since this could be a judgement call from judge to judge, meet to meet, take both lids and ask your judges which one they'd like to see !

I would probably always prefer to see the original IF the rest of the car is equally original. If the engine compartment is freshly restored, the old lid might not be the right choice.

[Michael W.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

As Terry stated above, repro parts rarely deserve a complete deduct. This is the second time I've seen a member make this statement recently, not sure where the confusion is coming from.

With respect to the lid in the photo, what 'hurts' the most IMHO from a condition point of view is the tattered sticker. It's too far gone from a Bowtie point of view to be of educational value, so removal, cleaning and replacement with a good repro sticker would eliminate that aspect. I see only a moderate loss of plating/pitting on the chromed surface, so would take one (maybe two?) points off for that.

Like others have said, orignal parts are always preferable.

[Brian M.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

I'm with Mike, use the original lid with a new sticker.

As Terry stated above, repro parts rarely deserve a complete deduct. This is the second time I've seen a member make this statement recently, not sure where the confusion is coming from.

With respect to the lid in the photo, what 'hurts' the most IMHO from a condition point of view is the tattered sticker. It's too far gone from a Bowtie point of view to be of educational value, so removal, cleaning and replacement with a good repro sticker would eliminate that aspect. I see only a moderate loss of plating/pitting on the chromed surface, so would take one (maybe two?) points off for that.

Like others have said, orignal parts are always preferable.

[Clark K.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

You could have the original lid replated. Then, apply a new (repro?) label. That process would garner your lid 100% originality AND 100% condition points. That would be the best of both worlds. -Clark

[Chris E.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

Ok, so it sounds like so far most everyone is preferring the original.

I thought about replating it, but my guy that is helping me thought the replating process would change the appearance of the curves in such a way that it might look closer to a repop than the original. He also said I'd lose my original silk screen logo on the back side.

Thoughts?

Oh, and to address another question from someone else, the rest of the engine bay will be completely restored. So this cover, while original, might look a little out of place.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

You could have the original lid replated. Then, apply a new (repro?) label. That process would garner your lid 100% originality AND 100% condition points. That would be the best of both worlds. -Clark

Not necessarily.

Unless you are excessively specific with the plater, they'll "show chrome" it, and then the finish will be far nicer - and different - than original. I saw a couple of these at a recent meet and deducted appropriately for the finish. Original parts that are restored too nicely also warrant deductions.

Oh, and if there is a silkscreened inistruction on the bottom you'll lose that and have to have it reapplied.

Patrick

[Jack H.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

I agree with Mike; replace the sticker and clean the rest up as best you can. Expect to lose a points on condition.

On replating...there's no way I know of to replate the lid and preserve the factory original silk screen (instructions on the underside).

[Chris E.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

I ordered a new air cleaner lid and sticker. I have those parts at home. I'm not real happy with the quality of the sticker. Some of the numbers aren't as clear as my original.

At this point, I'm leaning towards just putting the original back on the car and losing a few condition points.

[Dick W.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

Be aware that there are several manufacturers of decals. The quality varies from perfect to horrible. You might want to look at other suppliers.

[Chris E.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

Thanks Dick. What vendor do you like the best? I bought from Corvette Central.

[Dick W.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

I have been out of the parts business for about 10 years and do not know who does the best today. If my memory serves me correctly, I purchase decals from about 6 different vendors while trying to have the best available at an affordable price. From experience of judging cars for 25 years, I can tell you that there are some that do horrible jobs.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Which air cleaner cover should I have on the car?

Chris,

They love to see this silk screen:



This is my original 67 air cleaner silk screen just cleaned up with Simple Green and synthetic steel wool (don't rub too hard).

This along with the original air cleaner nut will probably get you full originality. The chrome on mine is pretty pitted and I have replaced the decal on top.

I'm with the others, get a good replacement decal on top, and go with the original. They are pretty lenient on condition when they see an original part cleaned up as best can be.