Paul (Wodniw5),

Are you referring to the "Oil=Wetted" "Spark Arrestor" air cleaners, which were standard equipment on many small truck?

Is the "red mesh" you refer to the copper-colored metal filter-mesh?

Those filters are serviced by cleaning the mesh in solvent (kerosene, maybe) and then wetting the mesh with a light-weight engine oil (10 to 20 weight, maybe).

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0620.htm

http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/1947-1955-air-filter/

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.