57 Batwing Dual Quad Air Cleaner

[59-in-pieces]

I know, but it wasn't until I bought the car a year ago or more that I took a detailed interest in how to restore it - frame off.
I have read all the search results from this form - in each of the cataories, and even Googled a bit.
I found that the 57 batwing is unique in its design, and other years are too tall and will hit the underneath of the hood when closed.
I need help in determining the neck size - how tall - are the tubes that sit on top of each carb.
So far in looking at pictures and seeing what is for sale, I've found 3/4" to 2" to 1" to 2-3/8" and one cut down to 1-3/4" (without being flanged to the carb), all from air cleaners on 57's - everyone swearing they were OEM.
Now that just can't be right - one of those should be OEM, but which one.
Can anybody help with a documented size or pics and preferably with a ruler showing the length. It would be much appreciated.
Have fun, I'm not yet,
Steve B.

[Quentin Hall]

Remember that the oilbaths are offset on the 57. Makes ID easy. Google a 57 Brougham. The air cleaner is the same apart from the Brougham having a further indent in the air cleaner to sit the even lower hood. I have a correct 57 dualquad setup nearly restored for my Biarritz (not for sale, and I can't go near it just yet to give dimensions). . . also Brougham used 4 of the big chromed wingnuts but all other 57s just used two and then two small wing nuts. Odd.

[DBDB]

i have an air cleaner that came from a converted 1957 seville to one carb ages ago .I measured the neck and it is 13/4 inch high .I did get that along when i bought the car in 1993.If i am not wrong i still have the manifold also .The only problem is i am in Belgium and those parts are heavy to ship if i want to sell it .

[Seville1957]

i have an air cleaner that came from a converted 1957 seville to one carb ages ago .I measured the neck and it is 13/4 inch high .I did get that along when i bought the car in 1993.If i am not wrong i still have the manifold also .The only problem is i am in Belgium and those parts are heavy to ship if i want to sell it .

Daniel,

if you are considering just selling the batwing air cleaner let me know, I made the dumb decision to sell mine when I bought my 57 Seville. Wasn't sure I was going to keep the motor, now that I decided to go the purist route, I'm screwed!

[vegas49er]

Hi, Yes the air cleaners are taller for the dual quads prior to 1957. Don't just saw off the flange that goes on the carbs. A friend has previously drilled out the spot welds on the earlier units and thus lowered the assembly to fit on a 1957. He then spot welded it to the correct height for a 1957. I didn't ask about excess having to then be removed at the top near the welds. The unit will then work on a 1957 although you won't have the offset canisters. I have the correct unit on my 1957 and can send a few shots tomorrow if needed. P.M. me with an e-mail if you want and I can e-mail you from my end. F. Johnson. Member 25203.

[cadelec]

here is an article wriiten about pontiac dual quad air cleaners but it references other GM makes as well

http://www.pontiacsafari.com/L1EarlyV8Pontiacs/56DualQuad/BatwingAircleanerGuide.pdf

[Paul Tesone]

Thank you Trevor for posting that most informative article . Although I am no longer in need of a batwing aircleaner ,  this information will help those who are new to the hunt from making an expensive mistake .  Paul Tesone CLC #6876

[59-in-pieces]

Trevor,
Along with Paul, thanks.
I had seen the report and it is very comprehensive, with the exception of the actual length of the tubes - long and short lengths in inches is what I am focusing in on.
You would think that there are only 2 lengths - long and short.
Ah but not so.
I have been contacted directly by a number of folks offering up pics and lengths - and it is almost true that no 2 lengths matched.
When I settle down on a length, I will re-post.
In the mean time, thanks to all who contributed to my quest.
Have fun,
Steve B.

[Paul Tesone]

 Steven - I know I sent you these pictures , but I thought I would post them here in case someone else was interested  . . Paul Tesone CLC # 6876