removing carb spacer

the one i have is dropped...with a 3" element, the lid won't go on all the way....which also prevents the choke from opening

what i am going to have to do is use a 1/4" air horn spacer, and a 1/2" carb spacer...that'll get me 1/4" lower than i am now, and i'll still have SOME spacer....
we have some phenolic-type stuff at work...i'll make one this weekend.
i don't think a scoop is an option in my case, being a 67 with the double-humped hood....and EVENTUALLY in the future, i hope to get a fiberglass hood....but that's likely 5+ years from now.

I also have been brainstorming a setup like the holley side draft air cleaner, or something like the cover used on the carb when a centrifugal supercharger is used...then i could route the intake tube like a cold air intake setup....but i'm trying to figure out how I can make it at work.

EITHER way, i still have to drop the carb SOME....