On the aircleaner lid, mine is a dropped base, so the flat pan that is attached is lower than the carb aircleaner flange. If you want to do this, you can gain a 1/2 inch of clearance by making up spacers to go between the K frame and the frame rails. I used some half inch aluminum plate, cut them roughly 2 inch square, drilled the 3/4 hole for the bolt and wulla! The motor got lower by 1/2 inch. this whole setup would be better than only having an inch clearance.
Considering how tight things are now, there might be some good gains there. Carbs just don't like to be crowded up top.