shaker adapter ring

[antonellomopar]

Hello
what shall I expect to pay an original shaker adapter ring for my 71 Challenger? I have found one that might be for sale, has some rust and pitting.  The six pack adapter is original, needing some work and was thinking about finding an original ring, The center portion is for a 340, so will not need it. Same for rubber seal, have a NOS from the eighties still in the original Chrysler bag. I would like to make a right offer to the owner so that we are both happy about the deal. I know that I can buy a repro ring for 450 $, but there something about original stuff that intrigues me.
Thank you

[mccannix]

You will find they are all over the map price wise as is any original shaker part.
Original is always considered more valuable than reproduction by most, as there are differences in repros.
If it was say, for example the one you pictured by itself sitting at a swap meet, without the baseplate, a couple thing to consider, it lacks the 7 welded nuts to attach the bubble, which knocks down the value some.
You would have to search out the correct nuts, and have them projection welded on as originals were.
I didn't know reproduction adapter rings were as low as $450.00 now
Expect to pay at least that or more for even a tuff used adapter like that one, unless the seller isn't up on prices.

A little confusion here...is the one you are picturing, the one you have a chance to buy just to get the adapter ring. That 1970 340 base, although rusty has good value as I'm sure you know.

[anlauto]

Are you assuming it's original because it's rusty? 

[mccannix]

Dont know about the OP but I was assuming it is original because I've yet to see a repro ring without the 7 nuts, and some left Fram without the nuts.
Also the base pictured is definately an original, and the rust pattern lends to the pair  having always been together.

[anlauto]

Dont know about the OP but I was assuming it is original because I've yet to see a repro ring without the 7 nuts, and some left Fram without the nuts.
Also the base pictured is definately an original, and the rust pattern lends to the pair  having always been together.

That's interesting, did the ones with no nuts from Fram make it on to production vehicles or into your basement ?

[mccannix]

Not my basement...my garage...., baseplates to the basement.
Those adapters went on to others who wanted a break $$ wise and said they'd use their own nuts.

[anlauto]

.but did some make it on production vehicles at the factory ?

[mccannix]

Not did that I am aware of....production line ones would have the nuts welded on for ease of assembly on the line, in my opinion.

[screamindriver]

I've got an assembly line original with the nuts welded on the top instead of the bottom.. I think we've talked about that one before Terry...

[mccannix]

Yes we have discussed that as I have one of those also, as does Mike Ross on one of his cars.
I know of others as well.
I was told about 150 of those escaped Fram quality control.
Someone  apparently read the print wrong and spotwelded them on the top

[anlauto]

So what are your thoughts on the one the original poster posted ? If it's not a reproduction with no nuts, and it's not an assembly line one with no nuts, what could it be ?

[mccannix]

It would have to be one that was purchased and put together with an original base and used on a car for a number of years.
I had some that I bought directly from Fram in the 80's, the late Garry Rollins when he ran the RTS Warehouse in Detroit had about 25 stashed behind a door in the warehouse at one time, that he wound up with and sold off, ...
and others may have acquired one here and there and used or sold them over the years.

[antonellomopar]

I've got an assembly line original with the nuts welded on the top instead of the bottom.. I think we've talked about that one before Terry...

The base in my Hemi Cuda has the cages welded on top, as per pics. Bought the car in 1985, from original owner, and nothing has ever been changed.

I was looking for info on value, so can place an offer to the seller of this adapter ring. Any suggestions?

[71vert340]

 If I were you, I'd offer him the $450 for it. You can always  go up if he counter offers you.
Terry W.

[anlauto]

I would see if he would separate the two...