Oil Bath Air Cleaner Question

[GB SISSON]

I have an oill bath from a '47 V8 truck. I like the look and want to repair it. I have also heard they are quite effective. My problem is the base where it mounts onto the carb has a flange about 4" in diameter. This flange with it's attachment hardware and tube has come adrift from the main bowl housing. Looks like it was spot welded, but most have failed. With the top part removed from the cleaner and set aside, I cleaned the dish that holds the oil and placed it upside down. I don't really understand the physics or air path of these things. I am wanting to bolt it back together instear of welding, but the bowl has a 'double bottom'. The interior space looks unreacheable. Will drilling chips be left in there? Does it matter? I certainly don't want them sucking into my engine. The entire air cleaner assembly has way too much rock and roll even though the clamp is properly attached to the carb.