Converting Oil Pan Air Filter to Paper Filter

I always try to keep my older cars as original as possible. Although a good idea at the time, an oil pan air filter today is not the nicest thing to have on your car.

This weekend I converted the air filter on my 1955 Pontiac Strato Streak to take a paper filter.
This one was much easier to do than the 1957 Pontiac Chieftan I did last year.

After doing many measurements I simply cut the top part off, 13mm from the top rim of the lid.
An 11″ by 3″ air filter should fit perfectly inside. I ordered one and is waiting for it to arrive.

In the mean while I’ve cut a normal 14″ by 3″ air filter which is used on most Chevy v8s. I cut it open, then cut it shorter. One the joint I wrapped a piece of black cloth around the two open ends to join them, as this is a temporary solution.

Then you put the filter in and simply screw on the lid.

Cut it very carefully with a thin blade grinder , 13mm from the edge. You must cut very straight otherwise there will be gaps. This part will push on the top of the air filter. If you can get your hand on a 11″x3.5″ air filter you can cut it right under the edge which will be easier to cut straight. But then you will see part of the filter.

Final product