Help with a “horsehair” air filter

Question:

I have a 1956 Chevy Bel Air sixcylinder and am trying to restore the air cleaner.

I would like to replace the strawlike “horsehair” in it but can’t find any on the market. What would you suggest I replenish it with?

Answer:

The easiest thing to do might be to look for an original air filter component in better condition. You may be able to find one at a salvage yard, online, on eBay, or in the VCCA (Vintage Chevrolet Club of America) publication. The Chevy club is a great organization—of which I am a cardcarrying member—and is also a good source for technical help when you need it.

Another possibility is to go to a home air conditioning or industrial filter source to find suitable filtration media. Different types of mesh are sold in rolls and sheets that you can cut to fit your application.

The Chevy club can be reached at:

VCCA

2812 E. Garfield Ave. Orange, CA 92867 vcca.org