Aircleaner Conversion (dry mesh, NOT oil bath) - Ever been done?

I want to cut open the stock airfilter for my 1950 ford V8 (dry mesh NOT oil bath), and put in a modern paper filter. Has anyone seen this conversion done? I have heard of it being done on the two piece oil bath types, but my is a one piece unit...

 

Here is a photo of the aircleaner...

 

Notice in the photo that the top is closed,and never intended to be opened. I was hoping that someone else would know what was inside or how best to cut it open before I go all MASH 4077 on it in order to put a modern paper filter.

 

maybe this is a dumb question but whats wrong with an oil bath air filter?

 

Just finished converting a '49 Ford "pumpkin" air cleaner to paper. Sorry I did not photo the progress but basically there are a number of layers of metal inside. My guess is it acts more like a noise baffle than adding any air cleaning effect. I plasma cut the top side of the pumpkin then welded in a flat disc to support the paper element. I cut the base out and match cut the bottom out of a 4 barrel GM pancake air cleaner then welded them together. I sourced and element (1979 - 1989 Toyota Corolla) Finally I welded a flat plate on the bottom of the cap. To finish it off I cut a strip of brass screening and formed a band to wrap around the paper filter. In primer now. Will send photos.

Regarding why paper versus oil bath? Paper is much more effective for the high air volume demands of newer engines.

 

Here are before and after photos of my conversion