PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

[Clark E.]

The oil filters I've been able to locate have the correct white with red AC logo and blue strip w/ lettering but do not have the embossed lettering on the bottom as noted on page 98 of the Judging Manual. My interpretation of manual is that the lack of bottom embossing may not result in a point deduction due some question that both embossed and non-embossed filters were available when the car was built. Is this accurate and if not, does anyone know where the correct filter is available? As always, thanks in advance for the great support I've received from Forum members...Clark

[Brian D.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

Clark,
I am far from expert at this, but Paul Oslansky covered filters at an IN chapter meet judging school last year.
I'd suggest contacting Paul; if anyone knows, I expect he does.

[Ronald L.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

Weren't they black too?

[Paul O.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

Clark

At this present time the 70-72 judging manual update team has not come to a final decision as to what the next update will reflect. We have seen several other Chevy models with a PF-25 filter (None that are on a Corvette) that appear to be original that are a White background with a Black printing. But at this point it is a very small sample the work continues.

As far as the embossed PF-25 filters is concerned several members of the team feel that the embossed filter was very short lived and ended mid 1970 production. But we are still working on that data so it is not complete as of now. If anyone has more information on this subject please forward that information to the 70-72 Team Leader Stan Falenski for the data base.

Now this is my personal feeling and from others input and my research. But if I am judging a mid production 1970 and later I would do a zero deduction for a non-embossed correct filter. Now understand others may judge it differently but that is my opinion other may disagree but that is where I stand at this time.

[Mark D.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

Just to add to what Paul said...it should have the proper fluting as well as bottom circle diameter because those changed thru the years.

Regards,

Mark

[Ronald L.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

Paul, isn't the data size a sample of one? Too bad others don't remember that magical first oil and air filter change 40 years later!

[Terry M.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

Paul, isn't the data size a sample of one? Too bad others don't remember that magical first oil and air filter change 40 years later!

Ron,
I believe it is a sample size of two - both Camaros.

Sadly the rest is exactly what it is. I have two photos (Kodak slides of all things) of my 1970 engine compartment when it was two months old. I took off the original air cleaner assembly so the Holley would be visible. The air cleaner, with original filter was on the ground just out of camera view. Now forty years on, we all know what a Holley looks like, but the air filter not so much.

[Ronald L.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

Terry, I am 100% certain we know exactly what a 1970 air filter looks like.

This thread is on the oil filter and no one remembers, at least on this forum ...

[Mark D.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

The sample size is four, actually. Three off Camaros and one off a Nova. I have never seen an original oil filter on a 68-72 Corvette but, there is always tomorrow. Maybe, one day, I will inspect one that the owner kept the original in a box. That is what happened on three of the four examples stated previously.

[Paul O.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

To add that it could happen that there is a Corvette with its original filter still installed. But that at this point very unlikely. I had asked that same question why have we just seen this White and Black filter just on other Chevy models and not Corvettes. The best answer I received was how many Corvettes were produced and how many of the other Chevy models were made. So the odds are in the other models favor just by shear quantity produced. In just 1971 over 300,000 Chevelle's were produced with the V8 engine on the Corvette side 21,801.

The other discussion we have had is why the 2 different finishes one for the production and one for the over the counter filters. Most of the time it was concluded that it was for Warranty coverage I always thought there had to be another reason for this difference. I have had conformation that both style filters were product at the same time one White/Black and the other White/Red/Blue. Reason the service filter had to be available for sale when the new type of filter were needed for service of sold cars. Then one of our other members for made a statement that turn on that small little light in my head. "COST" For production cars the use of just 2 colors on the filter lets say cost 1 cent less then the 3 colors the amount of PF-25 produced in a year is mind blowing. So adding Cost and then Warranty to the equation bean counters love that. Gm then could add the additional cost for the 3 colored filter on to the consumer.

Like Mark said when I judge the filter the first tell tail sign for me is the Configuration of the flute size and the flat circle size on the bottom. In less the a second I know what is installed Original type or the latest service or reproduction ( I know I am not supposes to say that) style filter.

In closing if anyone has more information please send it on for consumption for all.

[Terry M.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

Terry, I am 100% certain we know exactly what a 1970 air filter looks like.

This thread is on the oil filter and no one remembers, at least on this forum ...

Regarding the air filter: You are certain. I am not -- but that's OK. There is still a lot of time.
However you are correct -- I had a brain fart and turned apples into oranges.

[Clark E.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

Just to add to what Paul said...it should have the proper fluting as well as bottom circle diameter because those changed thru the years.

Regards,

Mark

Thanks Mark...Do you have additional details regarding the fluting i.e. number of flutes and the diameter measurement? Paragon has a white w/ red logo and blue lettering and fluting filter/ part # 2137 that without the embossing on the bottom appears to be as close to original as is currently available. Paul noted the embossing went away during the mid-70 production year. My car was assembled March 23rd...Clark

[Mark D.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

You are right at the change over. IMO, a non embossed would be OK as would an embossed. An embossed is more expensive. You would want to get Paul's opinion on this. Now, as for finish, that's a whole 'nuther discussion. I'm sure the finish on this one would work just fine for judging. The one from Paragon will result in a points deduction. It isn't accurate.

Disclosure: this is not mine and I do now know (as far as I know) the seller.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-NOS-GM-PF-25-OIL-FILTER-67-68-69-70-71-CAMARO-Z28-CHEVELLE-SS-427-396-/271148216763?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f21b171bb&vxp=mtr

[Paul O.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

The filter that Mark has posted is a correct looking non-embossed filter. Look at the large flat area at the bottom of the filter and the flutes are longer those are some of the difference from a original and reproduction. The past few years at Carlisle and other swap meets have seen the non-embossed selling for $45 but that is always subject to change. Here is a photo of a current reproduction from the bay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-72-CLASSIC-GM-OIL-FILTER-CAMARO-CHEVELLE-PF25-/350572046138?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item519fb8e73a&vxp=mtr

[Mark D.]

Re: PF-25 Oil Filter Judging

I had a brain fart and turned apples into oranges.

Terry,

Your brain, in farting mode, is still vastly more capable than when mine is running in a (relative term) finely tuned state.

Regards,

Gomer