1955 Air Cleaner

[Dan P.]

What is the difference between the 1955 and 1956 Air Cleaner .Single four. Thanks

[David L.]

Re: 1955 Air Cleaner

Dan,

The part number for the 55 corvette V8 air cleaner is 1552185 as listed in my 1953-1955 Corvette Parts Catalog (July 1955). My 1957 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (March 1957) lists the same part number in Gr. 3.402 for the 1955-1957 Corvettes, 8 cyl. (exc. dual 4BC). Therefore, the air cleaner sold over the counter was the same for 1955-1957 Corvettes.

My 1963 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Oct. 1962) lists part # 5645689 as the part number for 1955-1961 Corvettes (w/4BC) and 62 Corvettes (exc. H/per., Sp. H/Per., F.I.). GM # 5645689 was replaced with GM # 5648423 in January 1963 as per Chevrolet Parts History.

I sold 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, and 1962 Chevrolet parts catalogs several years ago so I can not research when the part number 1552185 was superseded.

According to those who sell reproduction Corvette air cleaners the difference between the 1955 and the 1956-1957 air cleaners is that the base of the 1956-1957 air cleaner has a dimple to clear the choke. The 1955 base does not have this dimple. This information is available on the web.

Further research on the web:
1958-E1960 air cleaner = GM # 1553495
L1960-1961 air cleaner = GM # 5645689
1962 air cleaner = GM # 5648423 (theoretically)

Dave

[Michael S.]

Re: 1955 Air Cleaner

Dave, Dan,
"According to those who sell reproduction Corvette air cleaners the difference between the 1955 and the 1956-1957 air cleaners is that the base of the 1956-1957 air cleaner has a dimple to clear the choke. The 1955 base does not have this dimple."

I have two '55 air cleaners, one NOS and one of the new reproductions. Years back I also had an original '56-'57 air cleaner. You are exactly correct. The '55 air cleaner has a smooth underside but the '56-'57 air cleaner is dimpled to clear the choke housing.
Mike