1972 air cleaner cover OEM vs Repro

[David L.]

Re: 1972 air cleaner cover OEM vs Repro

I just found another original 1970-1972 Camaro SS 350 air cleaner assembly (w/L48 engine) with a 6485242 "CK" white sticker on the side in my garage attic. The chrome cover on this air cleaner has 6 dimples. Some of the chrome covers on my other original 6485242 air cleaners have only 4 "dimples".

I compared the 6 "dimple" cover with the 4 "dimple" cover and there are noticeable differences. The ridge (at 10.5" dia. to 11.2" dia.) on the 4 "dimple" cover is generally "flat". The ridge (at 10.5" dia. to 11.2" dia.) on the 6 "dimple" cover is "rounded". The ridge on the 4 "dimple" cover at 3.2" diameter is a well defined peak. The ridge on the 6 "dimple" cover at the 3.3" diameter is very well rounded.

The two covers were NOT manufactured in the same machine. I firmly believe that there were two different vendors that supplied the chrome cover for 70-72 Camaro SS 350 models.

Dave

[Scott K.]

Re: 1972 air cleaner cover OEM vs Repro

Would it stand to reason that the same two mfrs also made the covers for the 70-72 Corvette? And if that's a yes, then it does seem that 4 or 6 could be correct.

Seems that this subject has been in limbo. Would be great to come to some sort of conclusive update.

[Ronald L.]

Re: 1972 air cleaner cover OEM vs Repro

Two vendors doubtful, made in Flint by AC Spark Plug.
One die could stamp a part basically 30 - 45 per minute. You can make a whole lot of these in a big hurry - and they did.

[David L.]

Re: 1972 air cleaner cover OEM vs Repro

Would it stand to reason that the same two mfrs also made the covers for the 70-72 Corvette? And if that's a yes, then it does seem that 4 or 6 could be correct.

Seems that this subject has been in limbo. Would be great to come to some sort of conclusive update.

Scott,

Yes, I firmly believe that the same 2 vendors made lids for Corvette.

Dave

[David L.]

Re: 1972 air cleaner cover OEM vs Repro

Two vendors doubtful, made in Flint by AC Spark Plug.
One die could stamp a part basically 30 - 45 per minute. You can make a whole lot of these in a big hurry - and they did.

You are probably correct but when the die wore out changes must have been made.

[Ronald L.]

Re: 1972 air cleaner cover OEM vs Repro

Dave - see post above.

One internal division...supplier, AC SP.

I know people that ran these machines (plus).




Vendors sell peanuts at the ball games and circus.

[Scott K.]

Re: 1972 air cleaner cover OEM vs Repro

So, if it was one manufacturer, and the premise is that the die changed, did it go from 6 down to 4 or visa versa... and when perhaps did this occur?

[Ronald L.]

Re: 1972 air cleaner cover OEM vs Repro

Die maintenance is normal part of the operation, they go in, get touched up and go back in service.

I can show you subtle differences on the 212 bases from 65 - into the 80's where they let the dies go because they were 'just service parts'.

What do the dimples have to do with the process we'd have to dig into that.

[Scott K.]

Re: 1972 air cleaner cover OEM vs Repro

I'd imagine the dimples hold the top piece to the bottom piece. The lids feel like two pieces. Maybe they improved the process and moved from 6 to 4. Someone must know the real story.