I have a 1964 534 with the oil bath air cleaner and would like to convert to a newer style air cleaner with a filter. I want to keep the original appearance but with the simplicity of a filter. On newer models, did Ford use the same style housing with a filter element? If so, that is what I would like to go to rather than putting on an after market round air cleaner. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Well, you asked for help and nobody else seems to be jumping in, so.......

You told us what you wanted, but I myself would do it different. I would forget about keeping the stock oil filter appearance. Trying to engineer around that thing would give you two strikes before you even start. Use of the existing space, yes. Keeping it stock, eh.........
First take a measurement of exactly how large of an air cleaner will fit in the existing space that you have. Then with the measurements you got, visit a late model truck or bus salvage yard and look at some of the dry filters that would fit in the space that your truck currently has. To get the new one to fit will require some new brackets, a little engineering with a welder and probably some exhaust pipe bent to route the new air passages. Before you attempt to start on this project, have you priced some of the air filters on these late model trucks? You can buy a lot of non-detergent 10W for what a large air filter costs.
Well, you got my advise. While it may seem that I'm telling you to stay with the air bath, I am not. I'd probably also switch it to a dry filter. (Just my $.02 worth of advice) Good luck.
If you DO the swap and keep it original looking, post some before and after photos.

 

You could, with a little work, cut and gut the oem oil bath aircleaner - and then run a paper air filter inside of the unit, or a complete aftermarket air cleaner unit inside the oem outer casing.

I would NOT recommend just a atermarket air cleaner as the factory unit uses cooler and denser ducted air from outside the engine compartment!

David

 

David,
That's what I had in mind if I cannot find a newer version with a filter. It may take some creative cutting and welding to accomplish, but I figure if I can't do it, I have several fabricators in my shop who are very skilled and could pull it off. I'm sure I can find a filter element that would fit; just need to find another oil bath so I don't destroy mine if it doesn't work.