I recently "gathered up" a dry element air cleaner for a '57 T-bird and it had an oversize replacement filter installed. The one fitted was a 14.0 diameter and 3.0 height for a Chevy truck or high perf engine. It fits into the base OK but it doesn't fit correctly into the relief in the domed top cover. Is there a part number that will do the trick for a quick paper replacement? The OD of the element seat in the lid is 13-5/8. How tall should it be to stack as original?

I went through the list that K&N has on their site and they show five part numbers - four for Ford products that are 13.25 OD and another for a Buick (also 13.25 OD). Heights are: 1.88, 2.19, 2.50, 2.75 and 2.88. Part numbers are E-1550, E-1560, E-1580, E-1577 (for the Buick), and E-1570 in order of height. 

Were all of the factory '57 covers chrome plated? or were some gloss black?

Restoration guys -what do you do about the goofy "staples" that hold the cork shield? I've seen the "unclosed" staples for sale - do you just stick them through the original holes and clench them over?     

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Some time ago I grabbed a few discarded master filter catalogs from my local parts store.  Most all of the major manufacturers list filters by physical size.  A good parts house should be able to find what you need fairly easily.  I prefer WIX or Hastings.  They seem to have the widest range of sizes.  Have you tried Ford (Motorcraft)?  Although I've used K&N too, but the dry paper filters are cleaner and more authentic, IMO.  Re. the staples, yes, you have to fit them carefully and "clinch" them with needle nose pliers.  It is tedious but just go slow and measure/mark precisely, pre drill the holes and you'll be fine.  Good luck.

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    

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

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

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

BOO- YA!!!

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.    

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

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

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