You do not remove the filter "element" in an oil bath air cleaner. You clean the element in kerosene and clean any gook out of the base, drain/dry the kerosene from the element, attach the base to the carburetor, add 50 weight oil to the fill line in the base, put the filter element/top on, and you are then good to go.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyowner/51tom26.htm
