1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

[Ian G.]

hi, can anyone tell me what fittings the 1959 fuel filter for a 290 hp FI should look like (the aluminum one)? I've seen pictures of the filter but want to be sure what I'm looking at when I find one, as I have an incorrect one in my car (GF90 I think). Should there be any markings or casting numbers on it? Where there different types?

[William C.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

Only one, send me an email and I'll mail you a picture.

[William C.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

Only one, send me an email and I'll mail you a picture.

[John D.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

Ian, The filter cannister is cadmium plated steel-not aluminum. It was 5/16 fittings on each end of it. Be careful as there is an identical filter assembly but it was larger 3/8" fittings silver soldered to the cannister. These were typically used on some Ford's. When I say 5/16 that means you can screw a 5/16 brake line into the cannister.
Now the adapter fitting from the filter to the cannister is all on its own and was made by weatherhead. I believe this fitting was originally a plated fitting although the repro is made from brass. Weatherhead sold one at NAPA that was close but required some minor machining for it to seat correctly in the fuel meter cover.
This filter is extremely difficult to install for one reason. The filter is typically at an angle to clear the hi-pressure pump. So to get this angle and to get it on tight without leaking the guys use teflon tape and other crap and the next thing you know you have split the inlet thread in the casting. Also the tape washes off and gets into the FI. Then you are in for a major expense for sure. It was probably the WORST FI fuel filter ever made. A real POC. If you are not showing your car stick with the GF-90 as it puts the original one to shame. John

[John D.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

Ian, The filter cannister is cadmium plated steel-not aluminum. It was 5/16 fittings on each end of it. Be careful as there is an identical filter assembly but it was larger 3/8" fittings silver soldered to the cannister. These were typically used on some Ford's. When I say 5/16 that means you can screw a 5/16 brake line into the cannister.
Now the adapter fitting from the filter to the cannister is all on its own and was made by weatherhead. I believe this fitting was originally a plated fitting although the repro is made from brass. Weatherhead sold one at NAPA that was close but required some minor machining for it to seat correctly in the fuel meter cover.
This filter is extremely difficult to install for one reason. The filter is typically at an angle to clear the hi-pressure pump. So to get this angle and to get it on tight without leaking the guys use teflon tape and other crap and the next thing you know you have split the inlet thread in the casting. Also the tape washes off and gets into the FI. Then you are in for a major expense for sure. It was probably the WORST FI fuel filter ever made. A real POC. If you are not showing your car stick with the GF-90 as it puts the original one to shame. John

[Ian G.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

Thanks for the info, Greg. There are two on ebay right now. can you have a look and advise if either is authentic? based on your deascription it sounds like neither is correct for the 59 corvette:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140179599748&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140179598880&rd=1

I've never seen them up before and didn't realize there were different kinds...

[Ian G.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

Thanks for the info, Greg. There are two on ebay right now. can you have a look and advise if either is authentic? based on your deascription it sounds like neither is correct for the 59 corvette:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140179599748&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140179598880&rd=1

I've never seen them up before and didn't realize there were different kinds...

[John D.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

Ian, Both of those are invalid listings according to ebay. JD

[John D.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

Ian, Both of those are invalid listings according to ebay. JD

[Ian G.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

Thanks a lot John (I meant John ),
I'll keep my eyes open for the future.

~ian

[Ian G.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

Thanks a lot John (I meant John ),
I'll keep my eyes open for the future.

~ian

[John H.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

John -

Both are valid auctions, but the links don't work because only the first two lines in the links are highlighted as "clickable". If you copy-and-paste the entire link into your browser after highlighting it, both work fine.

[John H.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

John -

Both are valid auctions, but the links don't work because only the first two lines in the links are highlighted as "clickable". If you copy-and-paste the entire link into your browser after highlighting it, both work fine.

[John D.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

John, I'm not good at pasting but will try it. JD

[John D.]

Re: 1959 FI Fuel filter and fittings?

John, I'm not good at pasting but will try it. JD