VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Oil filter lines

Now that my shifting problem has been solved, I may have a little time to actually drive my '48. However, before I do, I want to change the oil. I took the filter cartridge out and the canister had a lot of gunk in it. I thought it would be easier to clean it if I took it out of the car. In disconnecting it, one of the lines broke. It looks pretty rotten as does the other one so I am replacing both of them. I went to my local NAPA store to buy some and alas, they no longer carry them. In looking on line, I found several sources but one of the hoses is shorter than my originals which are 14" and 21" long. The only new ones I can find are 14" and 18". The 18" one will fit O.K. but I thought I would post a note here to see if anyone knows where I can get a 21" hose. I would appreciate any help or comments on trying to find a longer one (for originality) or just using the shorter (18") one. Thanks. Beamer

Hi Beamer,

With our cars we did two different things over the years to solve the out-of-stock /shorter oil filter line problem. One car we went to a local truck dealer with a service area that manufactures their own hoses & hydraulic lines and they fabbed up a set for us. Many years ago so I can't recall how much Dad paid for them, but they worked well on his '48 with an AC oil filter.

On our '47 with the Fram unit, we simply moved the unit to the rear of the car and hung it on the rear part of the manifold so it was closer to the distribution block. It doesn't look stock, but its actually nice & out of the way and clears things nicely. Hope this helps.

Beamer -

Just looked in my shed at the oil canister I took off my 48 with the 235 in it and both hoses are right at 18" or a bit longer if you add fittings. Both in excellent shape. If you need on, let me know for which one, lid or bottom of can.

Jim.

Thanks guys. I went ahead and ordered a new set. It seems they are all sets of 14 and 18 inch hoses. Inasmuch as the 18" is plenty long enough I decided originality wasn't all that important on a '57 engine in a '48 car. I wanted to get them ordered so I can get oil back in the car and get it on the road. Beamer

Up till 1954 the filter was mounted on the front half of the intake. Because the car (6 cyl) had the air cleaner hanging under the front half the oil filer was installed on the rear half. They the changed fthe fitting location on the side of the can from the front to the rear. This is true for the AC filter.