Correct size air filter

[Tbirdgul]

Hey folks, I recently received some new air filters for my 64 hardtop. When researching the different filter types, the STP SA149 came up as the correct type for the 64. When I received them, they seem to be too tall and there is a gap between the air filter cover and air cleaner. Can anyone confirm by looking at the air cleaner I have that it is actually for 1964? Anybody else know the correct air filter part number or size? Lastly, I don’t see a dimension or part number called out in the shop manual. Is there another reference book available with all of the part numbers? Thanks, Tony

[jking64tbird]

Hi, Mine is a 1964 and it looks just like mine. When I bought this car it had a few air filters, I threw them away because I thought they were wrong. But then I ordered one from the thunderbird places I found on this site and it fit the same way. It has a small gap but it uses that rubber piece that's glue to the metal air cleaner im guessing to seal it but that's how mine fits and even the old one that came out that looked real old fit the same.

[Rt.146]

I had bought a Fram CA133 Air Filter, for my 1966, 390. It is too high to fit properly, the top of the breather will not screw down flush. A PG air filter PA 68, has the right height (2.1") and diameter for the cover to fit flush. the height of the CA133 is (2.6") making it not fit flush.

[Tbirdgul]

I should have said earlier that the air filter currently installed is a Purolator A30045. It fits perfectly, but the online guides say it is for a 1965, not 64. Does anyone know if the air cleaner changed from 64 to 65? Further, I found some reference to an open vs a closed system. Mine has a short tube connected to the oil breather. See below.

[Alan H. Tast]

A different air cleaner assembly was used in '65 with a removable lid covering the entire top of the filter housing, versus the small lid used in '64. There are two versions of air cleaner housings for '64 - one without - and one with - a hose nipple at the front for connecting a short rubber hose to an oil filler cap with another hose nipple and no vent holes in its bottom, depending if it had the closed emission system or not. Yours started out as the non-closed emissions air cleaner assembly, with a previous owner adding an aftermarket closed emissions oil filler cap, hose and fittings that's screwed to the face of the air cleaner. As for differences in filter sizes or housing depths, see following responses. Many parts books I have typically don't have dimensions for the filters. See following responses for different sizes used for each year.

This is probably a good time to start asking people to post information as to what filters they're using, including manufacturer/part number, overall outside diameter, inside diameter and height. Given that there are numerous manufacturers (Purolator, Wix, Fram, various 'house' brands from retailers like O'Reilly, Advanced Auto Parts, Pep Boys, etc.), please provide as much information as possible so that we can sort all this out.

[Terry64HT]

I have info that is of absolutely no use.....
I've got a K&N, 9 5/8" OD, 7 3/4 ID and 1 15/16 high, part number stamped on the filter ring is A097A8. It fit the opening in my 64 (smaller hole) perfectly, but was slightly too short. I glued a cork gasket of the same size as the filter ring onto the base of the air cleaner so it meets the top cover.
It was not listed for 64 Thunderbirds but I sourced by dimension, and is not in their catalog at all now, so I assume obsolete.
A dimension search found filter no. E-2740 that fits a 64-70 Falcon with a 302 Cleveland, but I can't find that engine in a Falcon listed in any of the regular supplier's sites.
So that's what I know. It's of no help.
Terry
64HT

[Tbirdgul]

A different air cleaner assembly was used in '65 with a removable lid covering the entire top of the filter housing, versus the small lid used in '64.

Like these pics for 1965?

[Scott6T6]

Yes, that is a 1965 air cleaner assembly. The 1966 air cleaner body was the same, but the snorkel was modified.

Scott

[Scott6T6]

Here's a shot of a '66 air cleaner assembly since we're on the subject.
I have a period correct AUTOLITE air filter for the air cleaner in my '66. The AUTOLITE and later Motorcraft quick reference part number was FA-23.
Outer diameter of the air filter is 10". Inner diameter is 7 1/2". Height is 2 3/8".
Of course it fits perfectly - it's a period correct Ford service part.
I know this is also correct for a '65 and '67 air cleaner.
The question is; is it also the correct air filter for a '64? I would think so, but I'm not certain. It does have a '64 Mustang engineering number.
I realize very few people here are interested in obtaining a period correct air filter. They are fairly difficult to locate and if you should find one I assure you it won't be cheap! I can however guarantee you it will fit properly!
Scott

[Terry64HT]

Scottie6T6, if you go back to the original post, you will see the problem. We're talking about a 64. All the parts listings I've seen lump the 64-66 Thunderbirds together. The 64 air cleaner housing is not as tall as the 65 or 66.
Period correct 66 filter will stick up out of the housing on a 64.
Terry
64HT

[Tbirdgul]

Scott/Terry, I think the height might work but the diameter won’t. The opening on the 64 air cleaner I have fits 9.875” max. 2.375 height. For reference Birds nest sells one with a part number CA149. I went ahead and ordered a Wix 42054 as it should fit well, but haven’t received yet to verify. It has a 9.718” OD, 8.718” ID and 2.264” height.

[Terry64HT]

Tony, let us know how it works out. It's 1/8" shorter than the one that Scott has and that might be enough to make it fit.
Terry
64HT

[Rt.146]

My understanding of what Henry Ford did besides the assembly line, was also to standardize parts between models, something I believe is lost on the 64-66 Thunderbird,e.g., different breathers on all the models with 390s and so many other nuances!

I wrote 2.1" is the right height air filter for a 1966 390, a height of 2" may be even better after looking over my 2.1" filter the wing nut is needed to push it down, it is flush, maybe it is OK, the diameter could be somewhat bigger .

[Tbirdgul]

Folks, confirmed the WIX 42054 is a perfect fit for my 64. The air cleaner cover touches the top of the filter and also makes contact with the air cleaner. The air cleaner cover has a groove which is slightly raised so the air filter needs to sit proud of the cleaner slightly or it won’t seal to the air cleaner cover. Pics below. Hope this is helpful. Tony

[Scott6T6]

Tony, looks like you nailed it with that Wix 42054 air filter. Good for you!
Scott