I have an air cleaner that looks alot like an TB air cleaner. I assume it is oil both, I am not sure how to orient it-note the bottom of the air cleaner has a raised area. See photos. Thanks.

I didn't download your images; however, if the top is stainless or chrome and looks like a flying saucer, it's a 55-57 Tbird dress-up air cleaner; the base is painted Argent. If there is a cage of sorts that contains a steel-wool-like material attached to the lid, it's an oil-bath air cleaner; if not, it uses a paper element (not oil bath). The raised portion on the bottom allows the air cleaner to clear the OEM choke.The 57 dress-up air cleaner uses a paper element, not oil-bath.  

I have seen oil-bath air cleaners that have had the filtration element cut off and replaced with a paper element. I've also seen reproduction lids on Tbird parts sites that can be used with a paper element, in place of the OEM oil-bath lid. 

It’s an orig. ‘55 or ‘56 T-Bird oil bath AC.  The raised bubble in the base faces up (accommodates teapot carb mechanism). Top is chromed.
BTW:  I currently have the ‘55/‘56 stainless top repro unit that is designed for a paper filter (modified though for increased airflow, with a larger K&N oiled filter), but when I finally install a modern/larger Holley carb, I may try to modify my original ‘55 oil bath chromed top to mate with a ‘57 repro base (?). If anyone has tried that but found not enough hood clearance, please advise.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

The raised part in the top is for the automatic choke, which was in the right (passenger) side of the carb..  That was for a 56.  The 55 choke was located on the intake in 55, so no raised part.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks. It is probably a 56, there is steel wool? in a cage under the stainless top. Thanks to all for the response. As stated earlier I have a 312 in a 56 Victoria. However, I am using a Holley 4 BBL. probably not going to be a good fit.
I doubt that I can convert this to a cartridge.
Thanks again to all who responded.. Harold

Although they aren't cheap (what is?), your best bet is to either find a used 57 dress-up air cleaner or buy a new reproduction from one of the Tbird parts suppliers, like Concours, which has frequent 10% off sales, free shipping on most items if you spend $300 +, and no sales tax, unless you live in Nevada. Considering that you're not using a Holley 4000 "Teapot" carburetor, it won't be 100% original anyway, but most people won't know the difference. 

I might have overlooked it, but are you going to use a 57-up distributor with that carburetor?

I can’t see a picture and I probably wouldn’t cut up an original anyway. It’s worth too much to a restoration guy. But the reproduction 55 on my bird, made for an element, got cut up to clear an Edelbrock, and mounts and looks just like a the stock unit.

If that’s of interest, pm me and post that here so I go check it. I don’t sign in every day.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

55blacktie: Are you addressing the OP, or me? (I have a NOS 50s dual point Mallory put aside).  If the OP still has the Loadomatic, he may indeed not realize how bad his situation is (?).

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

miker: It hadn’t occurred to me that the ‘55 repro base could be modified to fit a modern 4-barrel Holley.  I just assumed I’d have to buy a ‘57 repro base.  No hurry, but please elaborate whenever. 

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I didn’t modify the base so much as removed it. I carefully cut the bottom out, the fitted a 3 screws to hole the polished to to the remains of the original base. The bottom and the filter came out of my pile of old parts. But it looks pretty much stock installed.

Not a very good picture, but all I’ve got and I’m not around the car right now.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ