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Hi everyone. Has anyone done this? I'm just tired of the mess of oil in my air cleaner in my 1942 Desoto. Is there maybe a standard paper element that can fit?
Thomas,
That sounds like a great Tech Tip article for the magazine.
If you (or anyone else out there) tackle this task, please take some digital photos of the conversion process and final product.
I can remember "servicing" those old oil bath air cleaners on the older Buicks that came into Schott-Lippert Buick where I started "turning wrenches" back in 1958. It was one of the most disagreeable tasks that I had to perform.
It can be a challenge to update performance without altering authentic appearance.
Keeo on "Happily De Sotoing"
Geoff
I did this years ago on my 39 Packard. Oil bath air filters are poor at best. If you don't mind seeing a bit of paper filter it is a good upgrade. You can always get another oil bath for shows.
I cut a smooth thin piece of wood and placed it in the bottom of the outer housing to act as a base and used weatherstrip from Home Depot to seal it. Then I took everything to the local NAPA store and they allowed me to look through their filters. I use a mid 60's Mopar slant six filter. Depending on your oil bath you may have modify the upper cover. The inner piece will be left out to make room for the paper filter of course.
Tim Mabry
The Lost Cause Garage
47 Suburban
57 Sportsman 4dr HT
