Thought so! There was a TSB for exactly this issue—double up on gaskets between the carb and the air cleaner to provide clearance for the choke to open fully.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Looking at the choke thermostat linkage, it has a 'kink' bent into it, that would be there to avoid fouling somthing. However, the kink appears to be bent the wrong way, it increases the fouling issue rather than improving it, this kink seems to be fouling the air cleaner.

I thought maybe it had been assembled inside out/back to front, but it doesn't look like it'd fit the carb if reworked with the linkage upside down.

Possibly a mistake during production?

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1960 Plymouth Belvedere 4 door sedan
Stock 60 225
Push button 3 speed Torqueflite
Right Hooker

Could be -- show us some pictures, won't you?

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

When myself, the car and my camera all end up in the same place at the same time I'll get some photos.

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1960 Plymouth Belvedere 4 door sedan
Stock 60 225
Push button 3 speed Torqueflite
Right Hooker