I picked up a stock '72 air cleaner from the junkyard over the weekend with the idea that I could reuse or resell it.

Downside, the cover is mangled at the front, the 'snout' was crunched when the car it came out of was HAMMERED into something. The core support and radiator actually came that far back.

...the baseplate, on the other hand, is untouched.

I've got english style 'mushroom' air cleaners on the carbs right now, and they've got a opening smaller than the carb throats themselves(horrible!). They don't have an integral venturi, and my understanding is it's rather dumb to run SU style carbs without them.

My idea is to cut the baseplate using a Dremel to remove the venturi sections, with the attached gaskets on the backside and mounting holes. I'll cut the bases for the mushroom air cleaners to fit the venturi through them, essentially fitting the cleaners over the venturi assemblies.

Anyone see a downside to cut up an orphaned airbox with some damage? Anyone need one desperately? Can I get a load of dough for it and just buy an aftermarket setup with the profit?

No, I think you're on the right track there. The factory airhorns should be great inside your filters, assuming that the filters are tall enough.

I did just what you are talking about when I bought my K&N filters. They work great. And as suggested be sure there is enough room between the air horns and the filter or you will not get the desired results.

AJ,

Although, you mentioned you have some filters here is an idea I used on the 73 Z I owned. I got a piece of sheet aluminum and cut it to the shape of the factory air cleaner filter/element. I then used the factory element and two wing nuts and bolted up to the air cleaner backing plate. It worked great with the venturi tubes on the 73. It gave me move air into the carbs and really had a positive effect on the performance for the 73 flat top carbs. You can also polish the aluminum very easily as well to brighten your engine compartment.

Good luck with it.

Thanks for the feedback...Zulaytr, I like your idea. I'll try that if I have clearance issues.

...actually, I think I can go one better, I just had an inspiration. Since the lid of the airbox is damaged, I can dremel all the way around the outside and remove the snout, essentially creating a flat lid, but maintaining a stock appearance.

The hard part is finding the 'masts' to retain the lid with, since they were missing from the car in the yard.

^ if worse comes to worse, you can get extra long studs and cut them to fit; then do wing nuts on them...

^ if worse comes to worse, you can get extra long studs and cut them to fit; then do wing nuts on them...

"Wingnuts" might be especially appropriate in this case...

I've been holding down air cleaners the world over since 1976! :stupid:

"Wingnuts" might be especially appropriate in this case...

haha, i actually never made the connection!

Well, I am 'certifiably nuts'.

now now, keep your nuts to yourself!