'65 396 Air Cleaner Lid... What's a fair Price?

[James W.]

What would be a fare price to pay for an GM original, survivor/driver quality 396 air cleaner lid? I need one, I've located one but the owner has said what it's worth to you? This would be for a restored car so the lid would require re-paint and re-stencil work.


Thanks,

James West

[Wayne M.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid... What's a fare Price?

James -- if you're going to repaint and re-stencil, then just pick up any old Chev air cleaner lid off the late '60's that used the AC 212 air cleaner element; give the (not too) rusty chrome a light scuff/ media blast for the paint to "grab", then challenge all to identify any difference.

[Ara G.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid... What's a fare Price?

Wayne's right...Why pay good money for an original 396 lid when you have to refinish it and restencil it? Makes no sense to me...Spend your money on a real Chrome lid and refinish it OR wait to find a nice, original and presentable 396 lid...The latter option may take some time to find...and some cash....As long as it's got a correct rolled lip, correct weight and outer lip, and stenciling, it will look gorgeous refinished if you opt for a chrome one refinished....Good luck... I have a bunch of original A212 air cleaner lids that are nice...so if you want a picture to go by for reference, shoot me an email....No need to spend the money on an original lid that needs refinishing....only my opinion....ARA

[Wayne M.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid... What's a fare Price?

To add to what Ara has said, by looking at the P&A catalogs, I don't believe the black 396 lid was ever available in service --- same lid (cover) part # slid right into the 1966 model year (identified as '65-6 Corvette; chrome). Joe L. may have something to say on this.

[Steve B.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid... What's a fare Price?

I have an original lid that has been repainted that would be perfect for you. All you would have to do is have Richard Fortier silk screen it and you would be ready to go. It would be a shame to refinish an untouched 396 lid, there are very few of those around.

[Ray K.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid... What's a fare Price?

I agree with the other statements as posted -- purchase an inexpensive chrome cover and do the paint and stencil treatment on it. The original black covers were not serviced through the P & A system, the # 6422356 as listed for '65 also became the cover for '66 which was then a chrome cover.

Ray

[Ronald L.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid... What's a fare Price?

Question for you guys that might have seen these close up 30 or more years ago. Was the paint on the top surface, defective? Meaning that it did not stick very well and was rusting within a couple of years?

I have a few original 65 lids identified by reasonable nice completely intact undersides (plus the usual), even residual labels, but the top surfaces on two were blistered nearly off the show room floor. The only area that has perfect metal, including typical mill markings, was under the label adhesive.

Looks like part of the answer on paint quality is here:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...ck+air+cleaner

[Ronald L.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid... What's a fare Price?

All the 65 lid experts???

[Steve B.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid... What's a fare Price?

It depends if it is still retains its original finish and labels and in excellent condition. If so that would be worth a bunch to the right guy. Over a thousand for sure.