What air filters fit a 57 T-Bird 312?

I ended up looking at 4 filters that various sources said fit but were not the same as the old one.  Many reference guides are out of date.

Who makes the best replacements and what is the part number?

I would hate to have to order one from a T-bird place vs a local parts store.

One method I've used of finding cross-over air filter elements - doesn't always work but its worth a try - is to go to the K&N filter site. There is a way to search their "data base" of filters by size and description. Takes some messing around with it, but you can often find a K&N "replacement" filter - identified by part number that then is traceable back to a specific vehicle and engine type. Then you can try looking for a pleated paper equivalent at the parts store if you wish.

The short length oval aluminum air cleaner I used on my T-bird actually shares its element size with some type of Renault and Volvo. The difference turned out to be height only with the "factory" replacement being 2 inches tall and the Renault part being 60 mm (2.36 inches).

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona