55 air filter

[Ronald R.]

cant seem to manage attachments! anyone rebuild air cleaners?thanks

[Ronald R.]

Re: 55 air filter

jpg.gif aircleaner.jpg (48.8 KB)

[Ronald R.]

Re: 55 air filter

jpg.gif aircleaner.jpg (48.8 KB)

is this correct for 55? thanks

[John S.]

Re: 55 air filter

is this correct for 55? thanks

yes, it is an original 55 air cleaner

[Ronald R.]

Re: 55 air filter

This chrome piece is rolled over the black base, does anyone re furbish these? There is no indent like 56 and 57. thanks Ronnie

[Tom B.]

Re: 55 air filter

I have seen these sealed air filters in restored condition but I don't know who did it. I have contemplated trying to disassemble my sealed '59 2x4 air cleaner for many years to take out a few dents in the top. My worry is cracking the thin aluminum when unfolding and re-crimping it since this stuff work hardens so easily. It would have to be unfolded enough to work the base out of it at least 50% around and just enough the rest of the way to release it's hold on the base. Heat would probably be needed also. I was watching a guy repair an aluminum fender with a rough spot in it while using heat to soften the metal and prevent cracking. Rolling the edge back down would be where the cracking would likely occur.

With the '55 being chrome steel it might be an easier task.

Tom

[John S.]

Re: 55 air filter

tom is correct with the big problem being the lip cracking. if the top of the air cleaner is not heavily pitted, less copper will be needed to fill in depressions and the bottom of the cover will be easier to roll back. years ago I had both a 55 and 59 2x4 air cleaner restored. the person restoring the cleaners began by making a backing plate that allowed the air cleaners to be put on a lathe so the lip could be pulled back. the 59 air cleaner was no problems. aluminum stretches. the area in the depression at the bolt holes looked a little enlarged, but otherwise the air cleaner appeared brand new. the 55 air cleaner, being heavily pitted and needing additional copper, did have come small cracking when rolled back and a couple coats of clear coating were applied to stop future cracking. on both air cleaners the back of the jute was perfect, so the old jute was reused. the material used today is much different than the original jute and anyone can easily tell difference between the new and old material.

[John S.]

Re: 55 air filter

This chrome piece is rolled over the black base, does anyone re furbish these? There is no indent like 56 and 57. thanks Ronnie

Richard Fortier restores sealed air cleaners. he is listed in the Driveline.