1960 Air Cleaner Restoration

[Philip P.]

I have become the owner of an original 1X4 air cleaner and am in the process of "trying" to restore it. It is in pretty tought shape but I think it is worth the effort. It is missing the flame suppressor holder and I have not been able to find one so am attempting to build one. The problem is I do not have any dimensions ie the diameter, the depth of the fins(1/16 inch I think) and the lenth of the sides of the cutouts. Also does anyone know where you can obtain the suppressor material. I have some pictures in the Restoration handbook but any information would sure help.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Restoration

I spent at least an hour googling spark arrestor fabric and other terms and did not come up with anything. You will not find anything close to the original that was made of jute and goat hair (source: outstanding Restorer article Winter 2010). If you figure out how to repro the jute/goat hair fabric let me know! The article states that the spark arrestor fins are 3/4" tall and all fins located on the same side of the spokes. The original cover was connected to the arrestor holder with a single brass grommet, 1/2" wide on the top and 3/8" on the flared (bottom) side.

For $135 you could purchase a repro 1x4 cover only and remove the spark arrestor holder and install it on your original with a new grommet. The repro spark arrestor holder appears to be an accurate reproduction; the repro fabric is not close to original. Keep us posted.

[Philip P.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Restoration

I think I will try to make one from the pictures in the Corvette Restoration handbook. He says the reproduction units are not close to the original. There is a 1/16 inch note on the fins for a non sealed unit. We will see how it goes. There are a "herd" of goats not to far from my house so they may need to beware. If you hear something about an old guy trying to get goat hair and it went wrong well so much for the suppressor material.
Phil

[John S.]

Re: 1960 Air Cleaner Restoration

for the suppressor material contact richard fortier.