Stupid air cleaner question.

I have what I am pretty sure is the original air cleaner on this 64 Valiant, 170, three speed car. Here is my question. The air cleaner base, when assembled, leaves very little room (my guess is "around" 1/8" all the way around where the top mounts to the base with the filter in place. Just seems restrictive, but it appears that it's original Does this sound right?