VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1932 Air Filter Maintenance

I was reading up on my 1932 air filter, getting ready to PM it. It sounds like the original method is to dip and clean it in gasoline and then dip it in motor oil. I was wondering if this is still the preferred method on these older filter elements, or is there a better method commonly used today. I was also curious if some of the folks that have used these filters for longer periods of time, have a concern or experience with the filtering ability of the copper mesh. I would like to keep my element origninal, but on the other hand, if this old technology is damaging the engine (passing too much dust), then I might consider my options. Does anyone know if folks are placing a foam or paper filter inside the copper element for better filtering efficiency. It seems like this could be done without sacrificing the external looks of the element.

Thanks for your help and input,
Thomas

Let's first consider the environment that the 1932 Sedan was in when new. Most roads were gravel, sand or other natural earth. It was dusty and dirty. Second consider the construction of the engine. Thick babbitt was used! It could absorb particles and bury them in the babbitt before it scored rotating parts.

Now update to today. Very few roads are not paved. Many of those roads are either cleaned by rain or street sweepers so dirt and dust is nearly non-existant compared with 1932. Secondly we only drive the vehicles occasionally and they are stored in protected areas.

So updating the air cleaner is not necessary but if you feel more comfortable then do it. I would suggest using stoddard solvent, kerosene or other less flammable solvent to clean the mesh and then oiling with clean motor oil.

If you check the Filling Station online you might find replacement elements for the top part and also sceening for the sides.
Seem to me it's better that playing with gas or other solvents that can damage the environment or your health.

Thomas: Keep your air filer system as it is. An upgrade is totally unnecessary for the reasons described by Chipper Dipper.

:) :grin:

Thanks for the advice. I will clean, oil, and keep it as is. I appreciate the help.

Thomas

Hey Thomas,

Something that I should point out, K&N filters are of the same construction as our 32 filters. Metal mesh which is oiled, only thing different is the technology which made them. I was thinking about getting a re-oiling kit from K&N to oil my 32 air filter.

K&N filters have a steel mesh outer shell with cotton gauze inner,This is what you oil.
I have used these on several cars and they are great.
I would like to hide one in my 31 air cleaner but they don't
make one that will fit.