1961 2x4 air cleaner problem

[Terry T.]

As I've been finishing the restoration on my car, I've run into a problem figuring out what air cleaner element I need. The car came with what I believe to be the correct air cleaner shell, but the hood comes into contact with it. I noticed that there is a 1/4' gap between the top and bottom of the assembly, which I interpret to mean that it has an incorrect element. The element I presently have is what P*****n calls a replacement perforated style with foam wrapped around it. I took this out and the top and bottom of the assembly come together nicely, and the hood no longer comes in contact, so that's a good thing. But, I can't run the car that way. What should I use for an element. I don't anticipate judging, but I do want an original appearance that is functional.

(signed)

baffled

[Mike E.]

Re: 1961 2x4 air cleaner problem

The first thing to figure out is why the clearance is so tight, and not necessarily zero in on the air cleaner/element. There are many potential reasons, but probably the most common with a 2X4 car is that the WCFB's are clones. Incorrect WCFB's have a thicker base than the original 2X4 WCFB's. My guess is that therein lies your problem.
When it comes to the air cleaner element--the depth of that from the repro houses is pretty standard. What makes it incorrect is not the size, but the type and color of material and the fact that it is not the correct "L-shape". If it is the correct L-shape, the bottom leg of the L fills in the 1/4" gap between the top and the bse of the air cleaner.

[Terry T.]

Re: 1961 2x4 air cleaner problem

Thanks Mike. As an amateur, I can't be certain, but the carburetors are both marked on the top as "Carter" and look like the pictures in the restoration books and service manuals I've been using. What has me thinking the problem lies in the element is the 1/4" gap that exists between the top and bottom pieces of the air cleaner when they are assembled with the element in them. I also purchased what NAPA identifies as a replacement element, which also left that gap.

[Terry T.]

Re: 1961 2x4 air cleaner problem

Is there supoosed to be a gap between the top and bottom pieces of the air cleaner housing?

[Mike E.]

Re: 1961 2x4 air cleaner problem

Terry, as per the second paragraph of my prior response--if you don't have the L-shaped element, there's about a 1/4 gap between the top and the bottom of the air cleaner. The L fills that in. If there is no L, it won't fill it in.
You need to do much more research on your carbs. My guess is that someone took your money and sold you clone carburetors. I can't tell you the correct thickness of the cast iron base for the correct carb, but I bet if you ask that question on this board, someone can answer it.

[Terry T.]

Re: 1961 2x4 air cleaner problem

Thanks Mike.

[Roy B.]

Re: 1961 2x4 air cleaner problem

Incorrect WCFB's have a thicker base than the original 2X4 WCFB's. My guess is that therein lies your problem.

I wrote about them years ago ( Chrysler )

[Gary Bishop]

A question if too thick?

Can terry have the base shaved/machined thinner?

[Richard S.]

Re: 1961 2x4 air cleaner problem

I have clones on my 60' and hood clearance is a problem. In trying to solve the problem this fall I also notice that I had mounted the air cleaner on backwards. I will find out next spring if this helps.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1961 2x4 air cleaner problem

Roy--
I mentioned that in two previous responses already on this thread!!!!