Thunderbolt air cleaner

[Mike 1017]

Can anyone give me some advice on how to make one of those? I have the hoses covered.

Mike

 

[TarheelRick]

I haven't tried it, but I believe you could stack some pieces of styrene for the main box then file/sand to shape. For the ribs, I don't believe there is any styrene small enough although there are some really small rods and other shapes; you might want to check out the Plastruct/Evergreen websites. Another option would be a piece of stranded wire separated into separate strands and glue them in place. For the side pieces use some more styrene pieces sanded to shape. Hope this is helpful.

[Shark]

There's one in the Thunderbolt kit, maybe someone has a leftover they could send you.

[gman]

While it won't be exactly 100%, you can break down the air cleaner into simpler shapes to scratch build.

Start with some thick flat styrene to form the bulk of the air cleaner body. Use some Evergreen boxcar siding cut and sanded to replicate the finned portion on top. Laminate together with liquid cement and let dry for a few weeks. Once dry, continue shaping with a razor saw and files. You can refine the shape with flexi-files and sandpaper. Carefully drill two holes for the bosses where the hold down nuts locate, and insert styrene rod that matches the size of your holes from the underside and secure with liquid cement underneath. Flatten the tops of the rods where they protrude above the box car siding, then drill the styrene rod for your choice of fasteners. You can use a panel scriber to deepen the ribs on the top of your air cleaner. A small ball cutter bit chucked in a Dremel will allow you to hollow out the air cleaner underneath to sit down on top of your carbs. Finish with your preferred primer- the primer will cover some of the work where your individual shapes were glued together before applying your preferred aluminum paint.

[Mr mopar]

there is a parted out one on E Bay with the air cleaner cheap !

[Force]

It's not an air cleaner, it's just an air box...no filters inside.

Edited September 2, 2024 by Force

[bobss396]

The AMT '65 Ford kit has one in it.

[Mike 1017]

10 hours ago, Force said:

It's not an air cleaner, it's just an air box...no filters inside.

I stand corrected. Do you have any tips on how to build that Air Box? 

[GLMFAA1]

I might have one from a kit but I believe the intakes are still round and not oval,

greg

[Mike 1017]

7 hours ago, GLMFAA1 said:

I might have one from a kit but I believe the intakes are still round and not oval,

greg

Greg,

I can make it work.

Mike