AC212 CW Repro?
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,329
Likes: 359
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
AC212 CW Repro?
Guys, a friend called and wants to know if there is any way, specifically to tell the difference betwen a repro AC 212 CW open element filter and an original? I know the repros have the square mesh now and are ususally yellow over time.....any other way? Thanks for any help, take care, john
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,681
Likes: 3,134
From: Shamong, NJ
The 65-69 element had the mesh installed on a bias, at a 45 degree angle. The 70-72 elements have the mesh installed horizontally.The elements made by Paragon ($60.00ea) are pretty good. They are available in either mesh and have the correct, silk screen instructions. Still, like any repro part, it's tough to say if it's perfect and then when you throw in the opinion of an NCRS judge, who knows!
If he's worrying about NCRS judging with it, a post on the NCRS forum, or a call or e-mail to the national team captain, for the year in question, might yield a more difinitive answer.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,602
Likes: 837
From: PA
The reproduction AC212W air filter from Paragon is passable. It has the general look of the original, but there are quite a few detail items where it falls short. Still, for $60, it isn't a bad deal. From what I have observed from the 1968-1969 and 1970-1972 teams, the Paragon reproduction will cost you a point or two on originality at an NCRS regional or national event... Basically a drop in the bucket on a 4500 point scoring system.
If you have to garner all the points, locate one of the NOS air filter elements that turn up from time to time. Last I heard they were going for $300+.
Regards,
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,329
Likes: 359
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
Chuck Berge is the 1968-1969 Team Leader... His number is listed over on the NCRS website.
The reproduction AC212W air filter from Paragon is passable. It has the general look of the original, but there are quite a few detail items where it falls short. Still, for $60, it isn't a bad deal. From what I have observed from the 1968-1969 and 1970-1972 teams, the Paragon reproduction will cost you a point or two on originality at an NCRS regional or national event... Basically a drop in the bucket on a 4500 point scoring system.
If you have to garner all the points, locate one of the NOS air filter elements that turn up from time to time. Last I heard they were going for $300+.
Regards,
The reproduction AC212W air filter from Paragon is passable. It has the general look of the original, but there are quite a few detail items where it falls short. Still, for $60, it isn't a bad deal. From what I have observed from the 1968-1969 and 1970-1972 teams, the Paragon reproduction will cost you a point or two on originality at an NCRS regional or national event... Basically a drop in the bucket on a 4500 point scoring system.
If you have to garner all the points, locate one of the NOS air filter elements that turn up from time to time. Last I heard they were going for $300+.
Regards,
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,602
Likes: 837
From: PA
The font of the text used on the rubber casing differs... So does the style/diameter of mesh used... The original was oil wetted, the reproduction does not appear to be.
For $60 and a loss of maybe one point, the repro isn't a bad choice. If your friend is considering pursuing a Duntov award, then you might want to consider one of the expensive originals still out there.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
For $60 and a loss of maybe one point, the repro isn't a bad choice. If your friend is considering pursuing a Duntov award, then you might want to consider one of the expensive originals still out there.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 334
Likes: 84
From: Harrodsburg KY
This filter was purchased by me NOS and the box date is shown below.
The font differences between the reproduction and original are easily discernable and there is a groove around the entire circumference (front and back) that, I believe, the repro doesn't have.
On the back, there is embossing.
The element is heavily oil wetted on the original and the wire screen, for 1969, is a very heavy gauge biased design. The reproduction is much thinner and a different configuration. Again, this example is from 1969. Other years as well as within model years can be very different.
There are other differences but these are obvious to an experienced judge.
Regards,
Mark
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,329
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From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Shelby Twp. Michigan
St. Jude Donor '12
AC212W Repo
I bought a paragon repo for $60 and I bought one from ebay for $24. Couldn't find any difference. The ebay no. is 230443733579 That's for a AC212W Square mesh. Bob
