Mongo, you read my mind on the air cleaners - my only criticism of these Weber clone carbs is that no "normal" air cleaner can be found. Tom had some custom Stelling & Hellings type filters made for the Holley Webers, what does he have for the Carters?
Maybe you could rig up some foam sock type filters like Harley flat trackers used to use (probably still do). Just a thought until something better comes along.