TNVettGuy

Hello,

I was hoping that someone could shed some light. Is there a production date where Chevy switched from the bullet filters to the double setup or vice-versa? Was it an option for one or the other? I am restoring a 1954 and I have the bullets but did not know if I should go with the double air cleaner. I have seen it both ways.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks - Matt

Mike Terry

Matt I have owned several 54 Corvettes with both the Pot style and the Bullet style Air Cleaners. It was not an option to order one or the other. The Corvette Plant used up what they had of the Bullet style and then went to the Pot style Air Cleaners. I am not sure there is or you will be able to find out what exact number it was that they changed over, and if they used the Pot Style say for a week or so and then someone found 6 or 8 or 10 of the Bullet style, you can bet they used them instead of just pitching them in the trash. That was $$$$ and they were not going to just trash it when they could use it. Somewhere around 1/3 of the first 54 Corvette built + or - have the Bullet style and the rest will have the Pot Style. If you have Bullet style Air Cleaners on your car you can bet it probably came with them on it. I don't think and have not heard of anyone changing the style from one to the other just to do it, they are not cheap to buy both styles. Hope this helps.

MaineDoc

My 54 has the early style-three beehive filters(that filter out only large bugs). What is your vin? I can give you an approximate changeover Vin later today. It is 20 below zero here and I'm reluctant to venture out to my garage for the information.

jim lockwood

My unrestored '54, #3300 VIN (2300 production) has the twin pot air cleaners.



Jim

Vette Daddy

The change occurred somewhere around vin 2900-3000 or so.

TNVettGuy

Thanks guys! Extremely helpful. My vin is 2530. When I bought the car it was missing the air cleaners. I was able to get my hands on the bullet-style and based on your responses, I did the right thing.

Good group of guys here on this forum. I was also educated on 'bullet' and 'twin pot'. I really appreciate it. I am in the process of restoring two corvettes, a 54 and a 68 L-71.

MaineDoc

Thanks for sparing me the trip out to my garage. It has warmed up to -10 so it soon should be tolerable outside.

TNVettGuy

That is pretty cold. I am in Nashville and we will be at 1 degree on Monday. Us southerners are not use to that kind of cold. I could not imagine what you are experiencing. Stay Warm!

csherman

Brett is right - some where around VIN 2900 - Nolans book states 2911 had a twin pot and 2902 had bullets.......