Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Can anyone show me a picture of a correct batwing 2x4 air cleaner? I have one that I am trying to correctly identify. Also,did these cars ever come with a chrome air cleaner and/or valve covers?

There are several on the Caribbeans in the 55 and 56 photo archive sections. Here are a couple.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1816&cid=57 andpackardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1640&cid=57 There are others with various angles with and without decals.

Chrome valve covers were available but don't recall seeing chrome air filters other than possibly done for a show car.

Chrome valve covers were standard on Caribbeans 55-56, optional on other senior models.

"Batwing" air cleaner is almost indistinguishable from 56-57? Chevy, 55'56 Chrysler and maybe others just by looking at a photo. Distance between carburetor bolts/ differs on all, I believe.

If you hve one you need ID's send me the bolt distance adn if it has a small chrome V on it

The air cleaner I have looks like the one pictured,but it`s chrome. I need to go through everything this wek to see if Ihave the pods for it.

Any idea what a pair of nice chrome valve covers go for these days?

A few months ago, in another thread on this type of air cleaner, I posted a link that may bear repeating, here.

The BATWING AIR CLEANER GUIDE is PDF file that I found online. Put together by a Pontiac V8 enthusiast, it shows the non-Packard applications and variations, as well as some "wannabees" that are mistakenly called "batwing" air cleaners. It also has dimensions, but none for the 55-56 Packard applications.

While I've seen some genuine batwing units on 55-56 Caribbeans that were chrome-plated, that finish is not (and should not be) considered as "factory authentic".

None of the other makes that had batwing airclnrs were chrome plated as far as I know.