The filter doesn't need to be changed as often as a normal fuel filter, but it should be cleaned and the bowl rinsed out occasionally (especially if the gas is bad). I bought an extra element and have kept it in the glove compartment for the last 20 years. The original element is still functioning fine. I rinse out the bowl when it has an accumulation of dirt in the bottom of the bowl. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to start with a fresh filter element, but you probably will not need another one for the rest of your life. Paul In a message dated 2/23/2004 5:54:42 PM Eastern Standard Time, JCantor791 writes: > > > Spent the afternoon yesterday doing that great man/car bonding thing. Boy is > it fun working on an old car! > > I changed the oil and oil filter, cleaned the air cleaner and refilled it > with fresh oil, replaced the worn front wheel bearings (did the other side >just > to keep them even) and toyed around with the fuel filter. My car still has >the > original glass fuel filter housing with a stone filter insert. Attempts so > far to locate a replacement insert - either stone or paper element - have > failed. Since the housing is in very good shape and doesn't leak and all of >the > fuel lines under the hood are in good shape (and still all steel), I'd like >to > leave the configuration the same rather than replacing it with a modern >inline > filter. Does anyone have any suggestions? > > I've tried Kanter and Andy Bernbaum both of whom could not help me. I'm > going to go looking on the Hemmings site but it was down earlier today. > > Thanks, > Jeff > '56 Sedan > Trenton, NJ > >