72 Buick/Corvette air cleaner bas re-visit

[Jeff W.]

A few weeks ago I had a post where we discovered that my air cleaner base was actually a Buick base. Well today I bought a correct one, but, as usual, I need some help. As the pictures show, the flame arrestor tube has been cut off. I can take the one off of the Buick base, but need to know how to make it all right? It is in great shape other than needing paint.
Thanks for the help.
Jeff

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 Buick/Corvette air cleaner bas re-visit

Hi Jeff,
In your picture it looks like the flange that sits on the carb has been modified, too. It looks like it's been 'cut' and the little 'indentation' in the front of the flange that 'centers' the cleaner base on the front of the carb is missing. I hope it's just my eyes.
Regards,
Alan

[Jeff W.]

Re: 72 Buick/Corvette air cleaner bas re-visit

You just couldn't see it. Here is another shot.

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 Buick/Corvette air cleaner bas re-visit

Hi Jeff,
Ah... Nice.
Regards,
Alan

PS...I see the Astro Vent seals in the background of the first picture... any progress on the rivets?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72 Buick/Corvette air cleaner bas re-visit

A few weeks ago I had a post where we discovered that my air cleaner base was actually a Buick base. Well today I bought a correct one, but, as usual, I need some help. As the pictures show, the flame arrestor tube has been cut off. I can take the one off of the Buick base, but need to know how to make it all right? It is in great shape other than needing paint.
Thanks for the help.
Jeff

A previous owner did the same thing to the original base on my 72 when he installed Mickey Thompson valve covers. (Thankfully he saved the original valve covers)

What did I do? Bought a different air claner base that I used during Flight judging.
Just what you wanted to hear.

Patrick

[Chuck S.]

Re: 72 Buick/Corvette air cleaner bas re-visit

A few weeks ago I had a post where we discovered that my air cleaner base was actually a Buick base. Well today I bought a correct one, but, as usual, I need some help. As the pictures show, the flame arrestor tube has been cut off. I can take the one off of the Buick base, but need to know how to make it all right? It is in great shape other than needing paint...

It's true there is a flame arrestor on the top of that tube, but the reason for the flame arrestor is that tube is where the PCV system hose connects from the RH valve cover.

If that air cleaner base is made the way I think it is, I don't think you're any closer to solving the problem...transferring the tube from your Buick air cleaner is probably not feasible unless you can weld, and even then you will probably will not be able to conceal the welding for judging.

That tube is STRONGLY attached to the air cleaner base...it has a tight fit to the opening (airtight even) and it's probably spot welded to the base under the flame arrestor where it's not visible. You would have to literally destroy the Buick air cleaner base in order to get the tube out relatively whole, AND THEN you have to remove the stub from your newly acquired base.

If you remove the flame arrestor and find spot welds inside the top of the tube where it attaches to the base, you might try using a Dremel tool with a small grinding stone to try and grind out the spot welds. The tube is still likely to be a press fit in the base opening...even if you are able to grind out the spot welds completely, removal of the tube may not be a certainty. Of course, if you have good welding skills, and are able to remove the tube in good condition, you may be able to "plug weld" it into the new base using the ground-out spot weld holes. If you can do this, and make it look stock original, I for one will be very impressed.

[Jeff W.]

Re: 72 Buick/Corvette air cleaner bas re-visit

Thanks guys I will have to figure something out. Amazing how much money I spend in an attempt to save some!!
Alan, I have not gotten around to the vents yet. I have both of the doors free from the rod, they won't fold down enough right now for me to get it done. I may have to see about pushing the rod out of the bottom hinges to make that work.
Talk to you soon.

[Bob E.]

Re: 72 Buick/Corvette air cleaner bas re-visit

Hi Jeff,
When I bought my '72, the flame arrestor tube had also been cut off by the previous owner in some mis-guided budget maintenance attempt. I fixed it by measuring the O.D. of the remaining stub with a dial caliper then took a trip to the local u-pull auto salvage yard and found a donor air cleaner base with the same diameter tube with a 90 degree bend. I think I paid $1.00 for the base. I cut the 90 degree tube off and squared up both cut ends. Using a new proper connector hose attached to the valve cover fitting, I marked the angle to attach the new 90 degree elbow and TIG welded it in place. It came out very nice.

Bob Ekdahl (25835)

[Jeff W.]

Re: 72 Buick/Corvette air cleaner bas re-visit

Thanks to all. I have it being done as I speak.
Jeff