1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

[Joe M.]

The 1958 - 1960 Tech Info Manual & Judging Guide states that a foam filter was used "during early 1960." Foam element was "L" shaped in cross section. Corvette Central is selling a "correct" gray foam filter element, but it does not appear to be "L" shaped in cross section. Has anyone purchased one of their foam elements? Was it "L" shaped or straight sided?

Anyone have an opinion on the original being "L" shaped? I don't want to spend $16 if the foam element is not correct. Since my 1960 is car #1627, I believe it had the two piece air filter unit. Paragon states that the change started after car #900. Not sure where they derived that info.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

After reading information in Archives, it appears that the foam elements disentegrate in a few years and since I have not been able to locate a repro aluminum air cleaner top, probably no point in purchasing a correct base, zig zag wire, and foam filter.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

Joe,
Concerning the foam air cleaner elemant.
I had one in my 62 Corvette and it fell apart in a few years.
If you drive your car I suggest you get a replacement paper filter.
I believe one that fits is a AC A350C which replaces GM PN 6484295.

[Don H.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

If you are having your car judged there is no way to see what the element is. That is if it is a high HP fuel car with the front hose. As stated before, the paper element will last longer than the foam. Good luck, Don H.

[Gary B.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

My `62 foam filter from CC also fell apart after a few years. Never on the Vette and stored in a cool dry basement.

[Robert B.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

"Has anyone purchased one of their foam elements? Was it "L" shaped or straight sided?"

Joe,

Here are a couple pictures of the Corvette Central Foam element I bought a couple years ago. The Corvette Central Foam does have an "L" shaped side. My car is undergoing restoration but is fired up quite often and the element seems to be holding up for me , although as Bruce said I think a paper replacement would last longer for driving. If your cleaner is two piece and calls for an element I believe it is disassembled and judged.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

For some reason, I can not see the images, just a red X inside a box. I did not have any problems on the NCRS site before I installed Internet Explorer 9.0. I have the Compatibility option activated.

Is anyone reproducing the 1x4 aluminum air cleaner cover? The vendors selling the 1x4 covers do not state that they are made of aluminum; so I assume they are made of chromed steel.

[Robert B.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

Installed Pictures from previous post by different method :

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

Thanks Robert, I was able to open up the photos. I assume the "L" part of the foam element is at the bottom and creates the seal between the top cover and the bottom plate.

[Ronald L.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

All show and no go as we used to say.

If its a show car and no driving - use the real stuff - foam.

If you plan to drive the can one iota and like the idea of your engine lasting more than 10k miles - use a paper element. Duke's told us lots about that and I've seen the research report. Foam & oil don't stop "nutin" in a dust storm and that's akin to pouring that dust into you intake an asking it to grind away. Very very significant benefits to the paper filter. Flip the foam one in there for the shows and PV.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Foam Element

I have an original in my 40k mile 62. It is definitely L-shaped, and has the AC part number "ghosted" in the outer vertical surface of the foam. It was factory oiled, and is still holding up!