A212CW Filter screen

[Don G.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

It is difficult to identify specific dates when design changes were implemented on air filters and oil filters on the assembly line. These changes were not controlled to a specific breakpoint because engineers considered them to be equivalent as evidenced by there being no part number change. This type of design change was identified as a "use" change which meant the old style material was used and not scrapped. Quite often, new design material was put into production and then more old style material was found and used interchangeably on the assembly line. It is very helpful to identify this "window of change" time frame when we can document known original components over time. Many of these changes are driven by processing changes that reduce cost without affecting performance or may marginally improve performance but does not justify scrapping the old design.

The change from "BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOUR ENGINE REPLACE WITH...." to " PROTECT YOUR ENGINE REPLACE WITH..." is thought to have been driven by a concern over being able to prove this product is the best way to protect your engine. Hence the words "BEST WAY TO" seems to have been deleted in the latter part of 1975 but still needs more documentation. However, this would suggest that any product without the "BEST WAY TO" message was most likely produced after mid 1975. More data points are needed to document this theory.

[Ronald L.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

Don,
Change blocks on the prints give a good start to the time window when the BEST WAY was removed and would appear on service filter prints from the period, 76 MY start is a good rule of thumb...

[Lance H.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

For what it's worth, and from somebody who was there and up to my elbows working on midyears in dealers, as well as a few of my buddies who are still left, 1965 and 66s came off the truck with EITHER AC 212 CW elements with diamond pattern OR square pattern solder wire mesh, as well as EITHER variation of "Best Way to..." or "Protect your engine...", some embossed into the seal but most white painted letters. The key common characteristic, however, is that the wire was a heavy gauge and solder dipped. This kind of variation was not at all unusual with The General, not by any means, it occurred all day every day. The fact is either type of element is correct for a 1965 or 66 big block. Or at least should be if there is an interest in getting it right, once and for all.

Don't know how to attach pics here, so anybody wishing pics can email bigblackdogs@xplornet.com and I will be happy to send em.

[Ronald L.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

Lance,
We always like hearing from the guys in the trenches! Isn't that where we all are now anyway?

Mesh - round wire in 65 - 67 I am sure there won't be much discussion or doubters when it started. If you go up to the late 60's that's where the opines get bountiful

[D S.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

Terry, Paragon Corvette still shows this as being correct for 1970-1972 Corvette. Yes?

https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...r-element.aspx

[Terry M.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

Terry, Paragon Corvette still shows this as being correct for 1970-1972 Corvette. Yes?

https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...r-element.aspx

Square mesh does not get my vote, but as I mentioned earlier -- I no longer judge Mechanical for NCRS so my opinion counts for Jack )&^T. The other places I judge will get a deduction for that filter on a 1970. If you want the NCRS story you have to ask those judges -- or bring a handful to the meet and ask the judge what s/he wants to see.

[D S.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

Square mesh does not get my vote, but as I mentioned earlier -- I no longer judge Mechanical for NCRS so my opinion counts for Jack )&^T. The other places I judge will get a deduction for that filter on a 1970. If you want the NCRS story you have to ask those judges -- or bring a handful to the meet and ask the judge what s/he wants to see.

It is refreshing to see that someone takes a position. I bought three new A212CWs fifteen years ago or so for my '66 Impala 396. I put one on the Impala and kept the other two in their boxes. They all have the light yellowish hue and the diamond pattern with the words Best Way To Protect...... in white letters. Since my early built '70 "requires" a 212CW I recently put one of one of the other two on the air cleaner base. Then I saw the Paragon Corvette listing and after reading the posts here I got real confused. Square, biased, expanded, diamond....????
The 1970-1972 JG states that the "wire on the biased ended in the calendar year 1969". It further states that it "concludes that correct original 1970-1972 [Corvette] air filter used an expanded vertical screen".

[Pat M.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

It is refreshing to see that someone takes a position. I bought three new A212CWs fifteen years ago or so for my '66 Impala 396. I put one on the Impala and kept the other two in their boxes. They all have the light yellowish hue and the diamond pattern with the words Best Way To Protect...... in white letters. Since my early built '70 "requires" a 212CW I recently put one of one of the other two on the air cleaner base. Then I saw the Paragon Corvette listing and after reading the posts here I got real confused. Square, biased, expanded, diamond....????
The 1970-1972 JG states that the "wire on the biased ended in the calendar year 1969". It further states that it "concludes that correct original 1970-1972 [Corvette] air filter used an expanded vertical screen".

I too have always found it to be a confusing area between the judging guide and differing opinions from well-respected members. I don't if I'll ever get an answer that "feels" definative, but I hope I do sometime.

[D S.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

I too have always found it to be a confusing area between the judging guide and differing opinions from well-respected members. I don't if I'll ever get an answer that "feels" definative, but I hope I do sometime.

Pat, I think it is largely semantics. What would be helpful is provide photos of each type with the correct description and years used. So far I have only seen square and diamond patterns but at least five different names.

[Pat M.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

Pat, I think it is largely semantics. What would be helpful is provide photos of each type with the correct description and years used. So far I have only seen square and diamond patterns but at least five different names.

The semantics certainly don't help, and such photos would be great. But if I understood the above posts correctly then Joe Lucia and Terry McManmon differ as to what's correct for 1970. If so, and if two such knowledgable members don't agree, what hope is there for me?

[Joe L.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

The semantics certainly don't help, and such photos would be great. But if I understood the above posts correctly then Joe Lucia and Terry McManmon differ as to what's correct for 1970. If so, and if two such knowledgable members don't agree, what hope is there for me?

Pat------


I'd say it's very possible that just as Don Griffin mentions, both style screens could have been used over some period of time. I'd say that the 1969-70 period would have been an extremely likely period for that to have occurred.

In addition, if there was a discrete change-over point, I highly doubt that such a change-over would have been coincident with a model year change for the cars. In other words, I doubt that one style filter would have been used for 1969 until the last car was produced and then a different style used for the first car produced for the 1970 model year.

[Pat M.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

Pat------


I'd say it's very possible that just as Don Griffin mentions, both style screens could have been used over some period of time. I'd say that the 1969-70 period would have been an extremely likely period for that to have occurred.

In addition, if there was a discrete change-over point, I highly doubt that such a change-over would have been coincident with a model year change for the cars. In other words, I doubt that one style filter would have been used for 1969 until the last car was produced and then a different style used for the first car produced for the 1970 model year.

Understood, but to me this just confirms that there is no one "answer", since apparently either style could have been used during the 69-70 period. Yet if I understand it correctly our judging guide, for one, seems to conclude only one style was used for 70.

[Terry M.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

Don't get too steamed up about the 1970-72 TIM&JG. Once we get the 1968-69 done (and it gets closer every day) the 1970-72 is next.

Does that mean we will reach a consensus about 212CW air filters? I wouldn't bet on it -- but it is all for fun, right.

[Pat M.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

Does that mean we will reach a consensus about 212CW air filters? I wouldn't bet on it -- but it is all for fun, right.

I think so - I keep telling myself that, anyway!

[Ronald L.]

Re: A212CW Filter screen

This thread did get a bit confusing.

Scott Sims - there is not yet an accurate filter for 65 - 67, word is in another thread is that its close. The catalog stores don't have it, no way close. Sorry.

68 Saw a little change, that is we are talking model years.

And then there is MY 1969 and the box dated '69 above on this thread,

that is diamond mesh expanded metal, big $$$ will find you one, but be careful as a 2nd rev diamond mesh made later can be made to look close by the same crew making engine pad stamps, that is unless you know what to look for. That stamp is out there printing, I've seen the sloppy work...

Square mesh??? Don's got to show me that print to prove it existed before '73 MY that is...