Classic/Antique Car Repair: Y Block 239 air filter housing, desert valley, shiny chrome

Question
I am looking for the above item.  Is this something that will be hard to locate?

Answer
Original air cleaners are getting hard to find for any old car - because so many people threw them away and put shiny chrome ones on to dress up the engine when it got to be a few years old, and the teenagers got ahold of the cars.

For your car, I'd try some of the wrecking yards in the Phoenix AZ area.  Their prices are going to be very high, but it's the most likely place to find them.  I assume you are watching eBay for one?  You'd best make sure you know what it looks like - pop the hood on another 54 to see if it is original, and take a picture of it for reference.

The 239 Y block was a one year only engine in passenger cars, so it's going to be a tough search.

Try Desert Valley Auto parts at: www.dvap.com

But make sure they know what one is the right one - I never assume they know.   It would be good if you can find the part number for it - I checked my parts books, but it doesn't show things like air cleaners. It is possible that the same air cleaner was used on the late flatheads, because the top of the carburetor was the same, but you'd have to be a Ford expert to know that, and I'm not sure about it.  If you are a member of any old car group that collects early Y blocks, ask around - someone will know.

Sorry I can't give you more help.

Dick