PF25

[Jeffrey S.]

Hello all! I have 2 PF25 oil filters that are blue, have identical paper labels, and have unpainted rims. One is a dark blue and 1 is a much lighter blue. Are these from different years or did they just vary in color? Since they both have unpainted rims and the same paper label, I thought they were from the same rime period. As always, any info would be greatly appreciated.
Jeff

[Dave S.]

Re: PF25

Jeff,
The darker blue PF-25 w/ the early style label was introduced in approximately 1976 give or take a year and is the first blue (earlier PF-25's were white) spin on filter. I have a PF-25 in lighter blue w/ the early label as you do and have always wondered its history and vintage. Hopefully someone can set us straight.

[Joe L.]

Re: PF25

Jeff-----

There were several different paper labels used on the blue PF-25 filter. The first was used from ABOUT 1973 to sometime in the mid-to-late 80s. This label has a mostly blue background, a white border, a red and white "AC" logo, "square" corners and is 2-15/16" X 2-1/32" in size. Other slightly different sizes may have been used, too, for this same, basic label.

After about the mid-to-late 80s, new labels were used. Several different configurations were used over the period until the filter was discontinued a few years ago. These were mostly white background and had radiused corners. Some of the very late ones had bar codes on them.

As far as the color goes, keep in mind that the different labels were used over a fairly long period of time. So, the exact color of the paint may have varied somewhat. Also, there's another factor: some folks think that all of these filters were manufactured by "AC" in Flint, MI. They weren't, though. Some were manufactured by "AC" in the United Kingdom. Examples of these that I've seen usually have a much lighter blue than the Flint-manufactured pieces. Sometimes the box will indicate that the filter was made in the United Kingdom.

[James Keddie]

Re: PF25

FYI. The later PF-25's can still be found in GM dealers under part number 6438261 for around $5.00. As Joe stated, they have been discontinued and replaced with a PF-454, however, if you ask your local Chevy, Pontiac, etc. parts guy to check for this part number in his computer, he can print a list of area dealers and the quantity they have. At one oil change a year, I'm good for about 12 years. Good luck and STW!

[Dave S.]

Re: PF25

Joe,
I can't speak for Jeff's filter but the light blue filter I have has the early style label(larger w/ the Red AC). In my AC collection I have many dark blue PF-25's with the early sticker so I am familiar with its appearance. Why would there be two very different color Blue's with the exact same label. ??????

[Joe L.]

Re: PF25

Dave-----

As I mentioned, the early style blue label was used for quite a few years. From about 1973 (it may have been 74 or 75) until the mid-to-late 80's. So, at some point during that 10 to 15+ year period, there may have been a period when lighter blue paint was used.

More likely, though, is the possibility that the lighter blue filters were actually manufactured in the United Kingdom. I have seen "AC" filters which were manufactured in the UK and every one of these that I'm sure was a UK-manufactured piece (was so-indicated on the box) had the lighter blue color. I don't know if all of the UK-manufactured filters indicate this on the box, though.

It might even be that whatever paint was used in the UK for the filters was shipped to the US for some period. Perhaps, they had a surplus in the UK and/or had a shortage in the US of the paint they usually used.

[Bernard S.]

Re: PF25

Jeff ,Dave, Joe:
More information. I have an dark blue PF25 filter that has the blue background with AC logo,whte edges, and rounded corners. The box lists application up to 1982,therefore the filter is at least an 1982 or later verision

[Dave S.]

Re: PF25

Joe,
Your rationale sounds right. I have a little history on the filter and that would make sense. Lets see what other theories arise.

Thanks

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: PF25

an it might not even be a real AC Delco filter, at one time people were counter fitting AC Delco an ford parts ect...

[Don G.]

Re: PF25

My information may help answer this question or add to the speculation!
Since both light and dark blue filters have the bright lockseam bead, it means the oil filter shells were made from prepainted roll stock that AC purchased and ran through their draw dies. This means the shell stock supplier may have used a different source for his paint for a period of time or it was just a variation that wasn't detected or wasn't deemed to be significant. When painted beads appeared, it was because AC changed their manufacturing process to making the shells from unpainted roll stock and painting the complete assembly using a powder paint process that may still be in operation today.

[Tom R.]

Re: PF25

Don:

Didn't you write like a technical article in the Restorer on PF25 production?

[Don G.]

Re: PF25

Yes, Tom, I submitted the article in April, 2001. My file of Restorer magazines are in Michigan and I am in Florida, but I believe it appeared later in 2001 or possibly in 2002. The article was entitled " Oil Filter Study".