fyi Steve, back in the day my Dad and I used rubber as a replacement for the cork. It might be a good consideration for you since you probably not going for concours stYLE. IT WILL OUTLAST THE CORK FOR SURE AND IF YOU PAINT IT WITH HAMMER FINISH MOST WON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE ANYWAY. woops sorry about the caps key.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Thanks Daniel...

found this one for sale with a nice set of photos....shows the Argent painted cork nicely.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/thunderbird-57-air-cleaner-/110901682153?hash=item19d2415fe9&item=110901682153&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Steve,



Don't really remember for sure, but likely I cut a strip of thin cardboard much shorter than the cork, slipped it into the slot on the aircleaner, and then slowly closed the hood. Then measured the amount left above the metal, and cut the cork to the same height dimension (after full insertion) minus 1/16" to allow for hood bounce.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Many thanks for all of the replies guys - I think the NAPA/WIX unit is probably the one I'll go with. Another lead I got was to use the Motorcraft FA-41 - and I found one of those too.

After a serious soak and clean-up, I'm sure the outside was Argent and the lid (has the internal reinforcment ring at center) was chrome. To use the original part - it will have to go to the plater - the rascal knows me by name any more.......

Daniel - What method did you use to determine the length of the cork shield? I've got the '57 intake on there now - and a half inch spacer - and the Demon carb is (I think) the same height as the Holley 4160 - so it must be close to stock height? I had an awful time fitting up the "air pan" arrangement I have on there now - not looking forward to another struggle.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

While the cork was painted argent at the factory, I see that most T-Bird "restorers" (the same ones that bring their supposed concours-correct show cars to high-end auctions wearing repro Kelsey Hays wire wheels, something never available from the dealer originally), now leave the cork unpainted. Apparently it stains the freshly painted hood. I cut the cork down slightly before installation/painting on my own car (especially since my aircleaner is taller due to the PVC spacer plate), so it just almost (but not quite) touches. Still functional & stock-looking, and few notice the cork is shorter.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

The B7S-9601-A filter has a 10.81" I.D. - 13.69" O.D. - 2.12" high.  Ford still sells these but it is a little smaller than the originals.  T-Bird suppliers sell these for about $12.00.  I have looked for years for after market filters that match the above numbers and some only have one or two measurements that are close.  The cork 'shield' is there to keep a lot of the dirt off the air filter from the fan.  T-Bird suppliers sell the staples.  Some people want the stock look, and the staples are it.  I use the stainless lock wire.    

Steve; NAPA Gold P/N 2063 is the correct element for the application.

BOO- YA!!!

As far as staples are concerned, I have used the ones you buy from the TBird parts suppliers and have made my own out of stainless wire. If you make your own, be sure the diameter of the wire fits the holes.



I set the cork in place, insert an extra piece of wire in the holes in the metal to make the holes in the cork and then insert the staples.. Do the same with rubber pieces.



Do a test fit with the staples as you go along. some can be either a little wider or a little smaller then the spacing in the air cleaner.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

The "57 T-Birds with the dress up option

had chrome air cleaner tops, chrome oil

filler caps, and aluminum valve covers.

The air cleaner tops on the standard units

were painted argent silver.

Ernie

Steve, I've always just ordered the "stock" element for that air cleaner setup, which was a dry filter. 55,56 were oil bath as you know. Also, As you know your rig will have to allow for clearance. I do recall the "low-budget" birds may have had painted Air cleaners but you got me wondering so I'm going to check some of my old stuff. Low budget was the 292 with a 2 barrel.



On the staples I used stainless wire, thread thru the holes bend it an clip it to fit, much easier, won't rust.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK