Air filter conversion

[flatheadfan]

Guys-

I had a several requests recently about my air filter conversion. Evidently, there is some interest so I am dropping here for your perusal .

Ar Filter conversion

The original Ford air filter was good at keeping large items such as rocks, boulders and large creatures out of the engine but beyond that their usage as an "air filter" was at best, worthless! However, there is no need to put up with 80 year old technology when a modern solution is at hand that is better and cheaper. I am speaking of the dry paper element filter.

Materials-

9 inch after market chrome filter. The cheaper the better.
Dry filter element SA 148
1 inch of 1/4 inch hose
Old oil bath air filter from a '36-'48 Ford

Directions-

1. Remove the top of the old filter and you will see the top is actually the top of the oil filter mesh. This must be cut off. A Dremmel tool with a cut-off disk makes quick work for the removal. Once removed you will have a disk top. You can throw away the mesh you cut off.

2. Disassemble the after-market filter. Place the bottom lid of the filter in the bottom of the Ford filter. Add the replacing element. The after- market filters are usually only 2" thick and you will need a thicker one (see above "materials").

3. Place the after-market filter top on the new filter.

4. Cut a 1" piece of 1/4" rubber tubing and place it on the hold-down spindle of the Ford filter. This rubber tubing will act as a spacer and will keep the top lid of the after-market filter in place and also space the Ford lid in correct position relative to the over-all filter appearance.

5. You are done!

Oh yes, one more thing. You may find that you will need to readjust your carburetor idle screws slightly to compensate for the new filter.

The enclosed pictures should help in assembly operation. I had the entire filter powder-coated. The cost is nominal but is definitely needed to prevent the debris thrown back from the fan from eating up the finish on the air filter.

Hope this helps.

Tom

[Kahuna]

Thanks Tom
I'm trying to do something similar on a 36 filter

[Hank the 36]

I think I'm going to give this a try on my '36, thanks.
H36

[gmc1941]

Neat idea, that will be one of my next projects. Thanks, Gordon

[hombres ruin]

Tom, I have a Eddie Meyer tear drop air cleaner that needs an element and I can't find one that works . Any recommendations for alternative elements? Or does any one know what they did back in the day to make their own elements?

[Enbloc]

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Great tech.

Is there any cutting or fitting to get the modern filter housing to sit and seal inside the original air filter?

[Vintage Copper 47]

Where did you make the cuts on the lid? Your photo isn't that clear. Also, is it because the filter is taller that the lid doesn't cut off the air flow?

[paul2748]

While a paper filter is less messy, I have heard that the old oil bath filters are better at cleaning than the paper ones???

[RalphG]

I wonder which has less restriction, the oil bath or paper element? I'm guessing the paper element might be a little more restrictive to air flow. I have old farm tractors with oil bath air filters that have run just fine for years out in the field dust which is likely worse than any dust most will encounter on today's roads.