Forty9,
I just checked the size of the Wix filter in my '36 PU air cleaner. It is Wix number 42373 and it is 6" OD and 1 7/8" tall. The OD perfectly matches the metal mesh OD and I slightly extended the stud height with a coupling nut so I guess the Wix is ever so slightly taller than the metal mesh. I made that conversion so long ago I don't remember the metal mesh height. With the lid on you'd never know I extended the stud length.
Hope this helps.
