QuestionI have a 1951 Buisness Coupe with the original 216. It has an "Inner-Line Filtors, Inc." oil filter housing (note that "Filtors" is the spelling as it appears on the filter housing cover). I am looking for a replacement filter to fit this apparent after-market filter housing, but am having difficulty. There is a well-worn "Big A American Parts 657" filter installed, though I haven't been able to find an interchange. Local parts stores and a couple antique chevy parts stores have not be able to help. I have been told hte eacy answer is to replace the entire unit with the run-of-the-mill, though I'm inclined to maintain the originality of the after-market addition. The AC and Fram (C4) are close in size, though are ~1/4" too great in diameter to fit the smaller diameter housing (the Fram makes it ~1/2 way into the housing before binding). I would appreciate any help you may be able to provide. I am also contemplating a dual master cylinder conversion to enhance safety. Any thoughts? Thanks!
AnswerYou have an uncommon brand of aftermarket filter - I don't recognize the brand, or have any way to know what filter element will fit it. I would have told you to try the Fram C4, because that is what I used on my own 51 Chevy Pickup, but that had a Fram filter canister on it.
It is possible that you can find an interchange for the Big A filter, but the only way I can think of to do that is to get a parts store to let you go through their stock and measure the other filter elements.
Big A was an auto parts chain out here in the Southern California area about 20 years ago, but they have apparently folded their tent and disappeared - I tried to locate a store just now; they apparently are out of business.
I'm sorry not to be more help, but I think a Fram filter canister, if you can find one, would be the right answer for you - they are certainly the most common ones seen on old Chevies and many other brands of cars.
Dick
