How do the repro chrome covers compare with original ones? I have 3 originals and none are of an acceptable condition to be used on my rebuilt engine. Jack J.
63-67 chrome air cleaner covers
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Re: 63-67 chrome air cleaner covers
I did that and was not happy with the results. When they were originally chromed a device was used to hold the cover firmly from the underside. The entire top was chromed and the results were great. When I had mine re-chromed by someone we all know, the cover was attached through the carb. stud hole. The area around the hole on the top side where it was attached received no chrome. Not a large area but enough to annoy the hell out of me and get a point deduction.
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Re: 63-67 chrome air cleaner covers
I had the same issues with mine.
You could still read the text, on the bottom, even though the both sides had been rechromed.
I didn't have the issue with the center hole.
It looked great on the car but took deductions when shown NCRS.- Top
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Re: 63-67 chrome air cleaner covers
As I recall, the radius on the top outside ridge is not the same. If the rechromer puts lead tape over the underside letter it remain unchromed. The buffing of the original may take off some of the sharpness of the ridges. It is tossup as to rechroming original or buying a new one. I would get a good rechromer and talk with him.- Top
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Re: 63-67 chrome air cleaner covers
The factory '66-67 air cleaner lids had a very thin layer of "flash" chrome that, under certain lightning conditions, allowed the very fine surface texture of the underlying metal surface to be visible. Most re-chromed lids have far thicker "show quality" chrome that has a perfectly smooth surface finish.
Last time I checked (several years ago), Paragon sold lids with either the original-style flash chrome or a thicker chrome. The lids with the flash chrome were excellent reproductions of the original lids. In fact, I think Paragon uses the original GM tool.
At the time, the problem with the Paragon lids was that the silk screen on the underside of the lid had many visible differences from the original silk screen. I worked with fellow NCRS member Gary Beaupre to create a more accurate image of the original silk screen, and then had Richard Fortier silk screen that image onto a flash-chromed Paragon lid. Richard still has the artwork for that silk screen, and Gary and I have told him he is free to use it for other customers.
Keep in mind that the above information is now several years old, and the situation may be different today.- Top
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Re: 63-67 chrome air cleaner covers
Interesting. I have a LICS 63 repro on the shelf with the red text on the underside....haven't installed it and bought it on a whim...
Its very nice looking but don't know how it would fare in judging...- Top
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