'56 should be 1 pint.  I see no mark on mine but there is a ledge that I assume the oil will be level with once a pint of oil is added.  I know its a pint as the service decal that goes on the cleaner says to add 1 pint fresh motor oil.

1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

You're right about the oil if temps are above 32F, below that 10w is recommended. The shop manual says there's a "level" indicated on the "reservoir". Maybe there's an indentation or a ridge in the lower section of the air cleaner? I haven't looked inside my air cleaner lately since if I remove the lid, I have oil dripping all over the place.


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles

Prior to the '55 I have now the oldest vehicle owned was a '57.  So I've not had a vehicle with the oil bath air filter.  Cannot seem to find any marks or info in the owners manual of how much oil or maybe how deep the oil needs to be in the bottom.  I seem to remember reading to use 30W non-detergent, but no idea how much to put in there.