Wow I just scored a Star Wars air cleaner for what works out to be $250usd. Never thought I would own one.. has all letters and a mint medallion but needs paint, a base and eventually a knob. I searched but didn’t see a post with pics or a how to modify another base. I assume I can take an old 430 air cleaner base and cut off the walls. Then score the bottom a quarter inch past where the filter would sit. Then just roll a lip onto it? Does this sound about right and does anyone have any pics of theirs. for painting the top I assume a light scuff with 120 grit, to put some tooth on the fibreglass degrease and then rattle can. Is there a preferred type of spray paint and color that is a close match?
Yes - I just did the cut for the bottom slightly larger than the opening in the top and left it flat. I added some stick-on foam at the edge to seal it. Once its fasten down it won't move. I'll take some pics. I read (somewhere here) that oven cleaner spray will take the paint off and not damage the shell, but I would test that first. I still need to paint mine but that's way down the list... Someone on the board is making repro knobs which are very nice.
I did leave the bottom slightly larger than the hole and used stick-on foam tape around the perimeter. This is for a Carter AFB but the same principal should work for any carb. Just match the base to the carb. I used a stock size filter. See below:
Nice score, not many around at that price! FYI the a/c is made of plastic, not fiberglass. If it has been previously painted, your going to want to strip it down. I used a paint stripper I bought from a body shop supply store that is made to strip plastic bumper covers on the newer cars. It worked pretty well, unfortunately, I don't remember the name of the stuff. This was about 14 yrs. ago. For paint, it should be painted Buick Red or whatever you're using to paint your engine. Good luck with your project and post some pics of it as you go along if you can.I have a spare knob if you're interested. PM for me details.............Nick
I agree 100%. you could do maybe 240 or something like that at the max for course. 320 or 400 for final sanding. Red scotchbrite on areas hard to access with paper. Greg
