Stupid air cleaner question.

This little 64 Valiant 170 seems to have the original air cleaner. It appears to be the same one the the 225 used that said "Super 225". Since this is a 170, this air cleaner is of course minus the decal.

Here's my question. The base and top appear to be original. They fit together at the bottom with less than 1/4 gap all the way around between the base and the top for air to get in. It's probably more like 1/8" all the way around. Is this normal? Does it sound like I have something mismatched? The element appears the original element, as it fits perfectly, but when the top is put on, there is that small gap. Doesn't seem like enough area to supply a proper amount of air to the engine, even though it's a 170.