We know that cars (and other related mechanisms) are only original once, which would be prior to the first oil change, typically. Or in the case of OEM production components, while those "production" items are still installed. When the issue of "service parts" comes into play, it can, things can get variable really quickly.
Unless we do the work ourselves and also control the items used, we are "at the mercy" of the mechanic shop/parts procurers to get "the correct items" to do the repairs/work. AND that can be variable as to what's used. Even if it's at a dealership, a smaller dealership that desires to "turn jobs" can use NAPA or similar for their parts source of "OEM Quality" parts that will do a good job for the customer, OR they can make the customer wait as they procure OEM-brand items from other dealerships or their OEM parts warehouse chain.
Even then, the OEM's can and have changed their logos from time to time, possibly also combined with the base color of the part involved. But it'll still have the OEM logo on it, whereas the "other" brands will not.
It used to really "get" me when I'd be at a higher-level car show and see a really nice car with an auto supply battery in it, rather than at least the same brand of battery that would have been in it when new, yet NOT a repro battery per se, just the same OEM brand as the car. Which can lead to a few other scenarios . . . was the same level of "care" used in sourcing the innards of the customized/hot rod engine? What other places did the owner/shop cut corners to save money/time? For just a few dollars more, an OEM-brand battery that matched the brand of the vehicle . . . That's just me and the way I look at things.
In the case of "consumer vehicles" and their enthusiasts, it seems that Mopar enthusiasts seem to be more "hands-on" (literally) in doing repairs on their vehicles (dirty fingers/fingernails and all). As some of the higher-level GM brand enthusiasts will seek "a shop" to do their work, trusting the shop to make it right. Then we get to a national event judging and there is a question about something "the shop" did. One year, at the Buick Club of American national meet, one show participant had ordered some "correct" engine paint from a noted vendor, but it didn't match the original color on another similar vehicle. The dialogue erupted that "I got the paint from _______ and it's supposed to be right." "But it can't be right as it doesn't match the original paint on _______'s car." Eventually, the vendor admitted their indiscretion and changed their paint formula. Not unlike the Krylon "GM Blue" engine paint that was not anywhere close to the factory GM Blue engine paint, being far closer to Krylon Ford Blue engine paint in darkness. I believe similar issues m ight have happened with Chrysler Blue, also?
By observation, there are some things the AACA allows that other car groups do NOT allow, be that as it may. SO, you have to know the rules and interpretations of the particular people writing the rules (and how they are interpreted) to build a car that will meet those respective criteria. Which will tend to govern "how you play the game". There are some judging rules which can and do overlap, but that's NOT a universal situation! A variable situation, at the least.
In the case of the oil filter, seeing an obvious Purolator filter case painted Chrysler engine color rather than an engine color filter with the "Hex flats" on the end would not be good to see in a judged situation where such things are important.
CBODY67
