A212CW air filter

[Jeff P.]

There is a guy selling an air filter that starts with "Best When Used" to me it looks like stamped the first three words.I dont know how to bring it over but it's on EBay Motors First page.When asked he played dum and said he found it at a yardsale.Any experts want to give thier opinion? I did put a bid in. Thanks,Jeff

[Larry T.]

Re: A212CW air filter

Looks like you are right. I did not pick that up when I first saw it, but I was not planning to bid on it.

[Jeff P.]

Re: A212CW air filter

Larry $455. was the winning bid. The letters are totaly different in the first 3 words.I would like to be there when he takes the top off the air cleaner and shows it to a judge that is savy to an original.

[Peter L.]

Re: A212CW air filter

It looked like one of the old Paragon reproductions. Pete

[Dave S.]

Re: A212CW air filter

It looked like one of the old Paragon reproductions. Pete

Not only was the BEST WAY added it has the wrong mesh. Originals for 68-72 have the horizontal/vertical mesh and the diagonal expanded metal was used for the mid year style.

[Stephen L.]

Re: A212CW air filter

Dave, are you certain about the mesh? I'm under the impression the reverse is true. Square mesh = midyear. Diamond expanded metal = 68-72

[John H.]

Re: A212CW air filter

Not only was the BEST WAY added it has the wrong mesh. Originals for 68-72 have the horizontal/vertical mesh and the diagonal expanded metal was used for the mid year style.

Dave -

I think you'll find that the midyear A212CW elements used the square-pattern solder-dipped round wire mesh, oriented diagonally, and the "expanded-metal" (from flat stock) mesh appeared much later.

[Dave S.]

Re: A212CW air filter

Dave -

I think you'll find that the midyear A212CW elements used the square-pattern solder-dipped round wire mesh, oriented diagonally, and the "expanded-metal" (from flat stock) mesh appeared much later.

I'm not a mid year expert so I'll leave that to others who are more familiar than I.
My experience with AC filters of the 68-72 era is as follows:
The square mesh (horizontal/vertical) was used in the 68-72 era and possibly beyond. The AC 329C filters of the 70-72 era used the same mesh as the AC212CW's. Original filters I have seen use a thinner wire than some of the later reproductions. All from that era had BEST WAY..........silk screening.
I have not seen the solder dipper round mesh oriented diagonally as John describes. That was a later technique. There are other nuances that are hard to describe.
My information comes from original cars and filters from service that are dated in the 69-74 time frame.

[Keith B.]

Re: A212CW air filter

This is the square mesh a212cw.

[Pat M.]

Re: A212CW air filter

Dave, are you certain about the mesh? I'm under the impression the reverse is true. Square mesh = midyear. Diamond expanded metal = 68-72

That's what I always thought. And I used the diamond pattern on my 70 and was never told it was incorrect in four judging meets, including a National.

[Mark D.]

Re: A212CW air filter

Here is a PIC of one I purchased for my 69 Camaro with a PIC of what's left of the box.

[Terry M.]

Re: A212CW air filter

That's what I have been waiting for.
Now do you have a picture of the raised "AC 212 CW"?

[Mark D.]

Re: A212CW air filter

Now do you have a picture of the raised "AC 212 CW"?

McManmon, McManmon...the things I do for you...

Now, will you please just consider bringing the heater hose to BG or CLT?

[Terry M.]

Re: A212CW air filter

Thank you Mark. That picture makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

That heater hose has been in the back of the Z06 since Gettysburg. It has been to PA, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. It is just waiting for you.

The good Lord willing and the creek don't rise it will be at St. Charles. Be sure to bring your raincoat.

[Dave S.]

Re: A212CW air filter

McManmon, McManmon...the things I do for you...

Now, will you please just consider bringing the heater hose to BG or CLT?

Mark,
I can't dispute what you show but that is a service replacement from late 1969. Maybe my thoughts about a thin horizontal/vertical mesh are more related to 70-72 rather than 68-69. I've seen to many 212CW's and 329C's on original 70-72 cars and in service boxes to think that the filter you show is correct for that time frame. I'll respectfully disagree.