Identifying a GM cowl induction air cleaner from a reproduction

[canadair]

is there any stand out marks to look for so as not to be fooled

[abiddle]

I read this http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=54696  it has some pictures. Read it all, because there are some additional details after the pictures.

[KevinW]

Here ya go  http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=54696

abiddle was a faster typer

[abiddle]

Also, I don't think the reproductions have the notches on the snorkel where its pressed together. That's something you can see immediately.

[abiddle]

I actually have an auction up currently for one I believe to be a GM original based on what I've read, so I'm very interested in this discussion. I can post those pictures here or additional pictures if it helps the discussion. I don't want to break any rules and I'm not trying to sell it here. But it feels dishonest to not mention it now.

I think air cleaner assemblies would be an excellent research topic for CRG. I'm not very knowledgeable on the subject but I would be happy to gather information from the group and build a document for review?

Andy

[69Z28-RS]

Is this the one you have on ebay???   (only one I saw proclaiming to be original)...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/69-70-Chevelle-Camaro-SS350-SS396-SS454-Cowl-Induction-GM-AC-Air-Cleaner-A212CW-/371232754824?hash=item566f324c88:g:QaAAAMXQs6FRJtWu&vxp=mtr

[z28z11]

Repros are getting better, but they still lack some features that you can spot on NOS ones.

The small square notch in the middle of the seam on the snorkel is a good indicator. It appears on the NOS 5891 one I have in the box, and regardless of flat bottom or raised rib bottom cleaners, it's always been a good feature to help identify an original. I'll dig mine out this evening and post a pic of it -

Regards,
Steve

[abiddle]

This one is mine: 1970 70 Chevelle SS Cowl Induction Air Cleaner - maybe 1969 Camaro ZL2 base.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121868412453?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

I was told it was a 69 camaro cowl induction, but from what I read the flat edge on flange would be chevelle. Or maybe this is a GM part rather than factory line?

The notches on the snorkel seam, the forming wrinkles, the flame arrestor, and the tape on the seal all lead me to believe its original GM. Some questions about the vent tube having two 45s rather than a 90, so maybe this is a GM later part. The reproductions have a the two 45s, which makes me think they were copying something - why wouldn't they make the repros with one 90?

I'll attach a pic of the snorkel notches, to answer canadair's original question.

[69Z28-RS]

Yes, it's a GM air cleaner bottom; no extension ring so not for small block as it sits??

[abiddle]

No mine doesn't have a spacer nor a lid. I looked at the pics of the other auction, I'm guessing that spacer is for the 350s.

On the prior link from camaros.net forum:
"Spacers were used to elevate the flange/seal assembly in most applications. BB '69 Camaros did not require one; Z/28s used a short one [1-1/2"?] 350s a taller one [3-1/2"?]. '70-up Chevelles had a smaller unit that mounted on the carb."

[L78 steve]

The 2 45 degree bends allow the use of a double pumper carb.

[Bryan302]

The repop flat bottom manufactured by CHQ (Rick George) is extremely close to original.  It has the notch, it has a single 90 deg. bend, and ripples in the base to a certain extent.  The spark arrestor fits nice.  The extension and flange fit snug and correct also.  I thought they were very nice for the money!  The original extension and flange also fit nicely on the bottom.

Bryan

[z28z11]

Few 6485891 pics as follows - box label, tube w/ 45 X 45 bends, "ribs" on the coil clearance recess, notch. Shame I didn't spring for another one -

Speaking of that, I thought I might give up some heartburn by including a pic from one of my old catalogs, 1981, on sheetmetal prices of GM quarters at the time. By the time I bought a couple of pairs, they had gone up about $100.00 apiece. Anyone with a time machine handy ?

Regards,
Steve

[z28z11]

Old prices - hurts to look at 'em -

Regards,
Steve

[69Z28-RS]

The repop flat bottom manufactured by CHQ (Rick George) is extremely close to original.  It has the notch, it has a single 90 deg. bend, and ripples in the base to a certain extent.  The spark arrestor fits nice.  The extension and flange fit snug and correct also.  I thought they were very nice for the money!  The original extension and flange also fit nicely on the bottom.

Bryan

CHQ is one of the few repro houses that *attempts* to do an accurate job, and generally their parts are the best of the lot of repros...