59 dual quad Air Cleaner question

[Tony M.]

Good morning,
I have enclosed pictures of my 1959 Dual Quad Air Cleaner. I have listed a few questions below hoping someone can help:

• There seems to be a copper mesh on the circumference but nothing else. Is this normal?
• Am I missing a foam on the circumference?
• There is an insulation type material on the top of the filter. Is this normal? I notice small particles of this insulation on the bottom on my carbs????

Thanks,
Tony Marra



Filter4.jpgFilter5.jpgfilter6.jpg

[Jimmy G.]

Re: 59 dual quad Air Cleaner question

Appears to be missing foam and screen that actually filters the air. Can use a AC paper filter if desired for a driver.

[Jimmy G.]

Re: 59 dual quad Air Cleaner question

After relooking does the top and bottom half seperate?? If not it might be a 1958 Air Cleaner Assy.

[Tony M.]

Re: 59 dual quad Air Cleaner question

Jim,
Thanks for answering, no it does not separate. what purpose does that insulation have?

Thanks again!

[Jimmy G.]

Re: 59 dual quad Air Cleaner question

It apparently is a 58 style. Not sure how far into 59 that closed unit went. It is my speculation as an engineer that the material is a fire barrier in case of backfiring. I am not a C-1 expert but I have owned a 58 and still own a Duntov 60 Perhaps someone the 58 - 60 team can tell me I am full of it or correct or what the real answer is.

[Steven B.]

Re: 59 dual quad Air Cleaner question

It is to arrest flame in case of backfire or--!

[Tony M.]

Re: 59 dual quad Air Cleaner question

Did some more research and found on my 58-50 Corvette Restoration CD that this is how the cleaner was supplied. No foam...wow!

For 1958, 1959 and early 1960, the base- and two-four engine air cleaner was a one-piece enclosed or sealed unit with a shredded steel filter element. The element appears like a coarse kitchen scouring pad, similar to that in the hydraulic cam oil-fill breather cap. Because it was sealed, it was necessary to wash the entire unit in kerosene to reuse it.The open element air cleaner was introduced early during the 1960 model year and continued in use through 1962. Gone is the shredded steel and in its place is foam that is designed to be oiled prior to installation. The foam is held in place with a wavy wire spring around the perimeter. Paper elements were not used on 1958-62 carbureted Corvettes. (FI used a paper filter element.

[Tony M.]

Re: 59 dual quad Air Cleaner question

Thanks Jim and Steven. That fire insulation cannot be healthy for the carbs since you actually see particles. Also, if kerosene was recommended for cleaning, this would soak the insulation material!!! TBD