i have a 71 vw beetle with an oil bath type air cleaner and want to change it over to a normal one is it as simple as buying one for a beetle and changing it or is there more to it

You might get a few different responses you might like to add why you are changing and what you call normal. I used a pancake style with no probs on a Baja for years. They prefer to have a spacer Inbeteeen carb and air cleaner but I did. Have one. Good luck

i used a pod with reducer from carb 3inch stainless pipe and pod good induction noise hahahhhahhahahah

If your engine is standard you are better of use the oil bath air cleaner, it is disigned to work with the carb that you have.

I now prefer the oil bath air cleaner...

those chromed air cleaners come with foam filters but I believe You can get paper elements to replace those..

LEE

Better off with a stock 74-76 paper element filter if you don't want to stick with an oil bath.

Those chrome pancake filters are absolute junk yet everyone runs them cos they look pretty and people *think* they are a performance item.

They come with a crappy foam element that is supposed to be oiled but noone ever does.

I did find a OEM paper element that fit inside them.
Was for an XU1 Torana