Classic/Antique Car Repair: Fuel filter 68 chevelle, 68 chevelle, plumbing system

Question
I have a 68 Chevelle with a 454.  I am a new collector and not very familiar with the old engines.  How do I change the fuel filter?

Answer
The only factory fuel filter is the small paper cartridge type that is inside the carburetor- at the fuel line inlet fitting.  Take the fuel line loose, then unscrew the large nut that it went into - there is a cartridge type filter behind it. NAPA still stocks these.   

There is also a "sock" around the fuel pickup pipe in the fuel tank, but unless you know of a reason to go in there (like it's blocked!), leave it alone.

Since the car is 40 years old, someone may have added a fuel filter anywhere along the fuel plumbing system, from the tank to the carburetor - I cannot guess where one might be - you'll just have to start at the carburetor and work back along the fuel line to the fuel pump, then back along the chassis to the tank - if you find a gas filter along the line, that's what you are looking for.

By the way, a fuel filter between the tank and the fuel pump is a bad idea - it often causes vapor lock problems, so if you find one, remove it, and install a new one between the fuel pump and the carburetor - that's where they belong.

While you are at it, replace ALL the old rubber fuel hose with new fuel tubing - use only hose marked SAE30R7 or higher hose - the older stuff will crack and leak with new oxygenated fuels that are now all you can get.

Dick