Warped air cleaner box

I've got a 98 CVPI.
I was checking my air filter today & noticed that when I tried to put the top part back on, the 3 tabs that fit into the bottom part (that holds the filter) wouldn't fit back in good. It appears that the bottom part is bowed out some. Is this common?
I called the Ford garage & they said it shouldn't bow out as it's made of fairly thick plastic.
Ideas? Suggestions?

I manage a fleet of over 600 CV's and most of them do not fif really snug after a few filter replacements. We do not have any that is bowed, but the top does not fit really tight.

do you by chance have a k&n panel filter in there?

yep.

fyi,

it is not the airbox... it is the filter. they do not fit correctly.

test it out and buy a paper replacement and it will drop right in, nice and perfect. :iceslolan

fyi,

it is not the airbox... it is the filter. they do not fit correctly.

test it out and buy a paper replacement and it will drop right in, nice and perfect. :iceslolan

& the bottom part of the air cleaner box will un-bow, eh?
What if it don't?

Just get a Marauder air box, it will fit in the stock tube plus give you more power