Air cleaner decals.

[Terry F.]

Has anyone noticed any significant differences between original air cleaner decals and the reproduction ones? I think I am comparing some and the "printed in USA" looks smaller on the originals. Is there a difference. They look the same otherwise. Terry

[don22567]

Re: Air cleaner decals.

Terry, The "Printed in USA" is the major difference between the originals and the repros. The judges pick up on this. It seems almost impossible to find an original these days. I have been looking for a 435 hp decal for my 67 air cleaner for a long time. Too bad the people who make the repros won't change them to be correct.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Air cleaner decals.

Don,

I talked to one of the decal makers about this several years ago.
When you have a minimum order of several thousand labels, and you only sell a few hundred a year, it takes a long time to go through them. Sure, they could redo them. But, you'll pay twice as much as they still have to pay for the previous batch of labels you didn't like. Would you pay $20 for an accurate label? $25? And how about every one else - $20 or will you put up with the wrong size for a $15 savings. Most people will.

Various parts manufacturers are usually aware of the problems and inaccuracies with their parts. But, until they go through enough of their current supply to justify retooling or reordering, we make do with the somewhat inaccurate part.

So it's often not a matter of "won't" do it. It's just not economically feasible.

Patrick

[John D.]

Re: Air cleaner decals.

Patrick, You are 100% correct. To have decals made the minimum order for a first class job is 1000 decals. The cost is $$$$. The demand is small so it is just a service rendered but no profit. Course you have to be licensed to make them also. If you have an original sample though a good print shop can make you some up rather affordable because of today's printers. These would be stick on. John

[Patrick H.]

Re: Air cleaner decals.

Yes, with today's technology a local printer could get quite close to an original. They might be able to copy a repro and then change the size of the "Made in USA" wording. But, you'll then have a $40 label.

Patrick

[John D.]

Re: Air cleaner decals.

Patrick, Some times money is not always the answer. Especially when someone like you who is obviously a perfectionist. Do it right the first time so you don't have to do it over again. Otherwise when the restoration is complete and you open the hood your eye will be on the cheap decal and it will bug you. Once the printer is set up the cost to produce another hand full is cheap so do that and sell off a few to your friends to ease the pain. That's what we do in the fuel injection world. Good luck, John

[Rick S.]

Re: Air cleaner decals.

Patrick,
I agree with John, so when you get a 327/350 decal for a 67 L-79 made up, let me know as I will buy a couple.
Happy New Year,
Rick

[Patrick H.]

Re: Air cleaner decals.

I don't even own a 67, much less an L-79.

I make labels for an entirely different year group and application. I was just giving examples of 1) why "correct" air cleaner labels aren't currently sold, and 2) how you can make a correct one yourself for $40.

I have no interest in making foil air cleaner labels for midyears, or any other Corvette, especially as I have no need of one. Even if I did, I'd just buy a current repro.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: Air cleaner decals.

Terry------

In my opinion, the biggest problem with the reproduction labels is that the pressure sensitive adhesive used on them is nowhere near as heat resistant as the adhesive used on the original labels. The original labels are very difficult to remove; the reproductions usually "lift off" at the corners after several engine heating cycles.

[Terry F.]

Re: Air cleaner decals.

Interesting...I ran across an air cleaner lid for my car with what appears to be original decals on it. I purchased it because it came off a car just like mine and the decals were mostly still there. I compared these decals just briefly and noticed the size of the scrip on the "printed in USA." It is an ok lid if you consider the decals might actually be the originals. The only real problem with it is that I don't notice the air cleaner instructions on the underside. Either they are barried under the crud or were washed off at sometime in the past. So far, I can't seem to find them. I will study the lables some more and see if I can find any more appreciable differences. They are very close other wise. Have a great new year. I am looking forward to it. I think it will be a year of change for me. Terry

[Ronnie Rains]

Re: Air cleaner decals.

I have an old picture of a 450 hp on a 66. it apears to be three piece. I will attempt to post it.
RDR

[Ronnie Rains]

old timers

Does anyone know if this is correct for a vette?
thanks RDR

[John H.]

Re: old timers

Ronnie -

See your other post up near the top.