OK, just got a huge bit of help from a neighbor who runs a machine shop who just happened to stop in this morning.
I was in the process of measuring the height of the base plate to the air cleaner flange.
As I was explaining the height issue, I showed him the by now, three air cleaners that do not work.
As we were talking he said that there was a rather deep flange on the under side of the third base plate that I had bought.That was the one that was supposed lower the air cleaner several inches.It did but that was not enough.
He said that the flange was almost 3/4 of an inch and he could machine 1/2 of an inch off and the flange would still have the stiffness needed.
He took the base and called be a short time later to pick it up.
I have and it worked out great.It was a little close in the rear with the throttle linkage, but it clears.
The next time I call for parts at Hill's Auto, I am going to pick their brains as to the difference ,if there is any,in the 3 years 55,56 and 57. At some point I would like to get the correct air cleaner, as it does brighten up the engine bay. But this will do for now.
My carb also measures 3 1/4 to the air cleaner flange.
